Systems, apparatus, methods and computer-readable storage media facilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device

ABSTRACT

Techniques for facilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device are provided. In one embodiment, for example, a method includes comparing, by a first device having a processor, first electronic information with second electronic information. The first electronic information is indicative of a first motion of a second device external to a body in which the implantable device is located, and the second electronic information is indicative of a second motion of the implantable device. The method also includes determining whether a defined level of correlation exists between the first electronic information and the second electronic information, and initiating a telemetry session between the second device and the implantable device based on a determination that the defined level of correlation exists between the first electronic information and the second electronic information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/126,238, filed Feb. 27, 2015, and entitled, “SYSTEMS, APPARATUS,METHODS AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIA FACILITATING AUTHORIZEDTELEMETRY WITH AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE,” the entirety of which isincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to implantable devices and, moreparticularly, to systems, apparatus, methods and computer-readablestorage media facilitating authorized telemetry with an implantabledevice.

BACKGROUND

Contemporary healthcare relies heavily on implantable medical devices(IMDs) to help patients lead normal and healthy lives. For example, IMDssuch as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs),cardiac re-synchronization therapy (CRT) devices, drug delivery systems,and neurostimulators can help manage a broad range of ailments, such ascardiac arrhythmia, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. Modern IMDs areentrusted with vital tasks in terms of medical care: delivering insulinor painkillers at proper rates, measuring and collecting data on thevital signs and passing the data on to doctors and nurses, and directstimulation of a critical function of an organ, as is the case withpacemakers, ICDs, CRTs, and neurostimulators.

There is a business desire to use commercially available telemetryprotocols to more easily facilitate widespread provisioning of telemetrysolutions. When enabling telemetry with an IMD using commerciallyavailable telemetry protocols, security is of the utmost importance tomaintain a patient's privacy and to prevent any unauthorized orinadvertent programming of the IMD. Accordingly, there is a desire forone or more approaches of restricting and/or policing telemetrycommunication with an IMD.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basicunderstanding of one or more embodiments described herein. This summaryis not an extensive overview of the embodiments envisaged herein. It isintended to neither identify key or critical elements of the embodimentsnor delineate any scope of embodiments or the claims. Its sole purposeis to present some concepts of the embodiments in a simplified form as aprelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. Itwill also be appreciated that the detailed description may includeadditional or alternative embodiments beyond those described in theSummary section.

Embodiments described herein include systems, apparatus, methods andcomputer-readable storage media facilitating authorized telemetry withan implantable device. In some embodiments, the implantable device is orincludes an IMD. In other embodiments, the implantable device is orincludes a device configured to interact with the IMD. In theseembodiments, both the implantable device and the IMD can be implantedwithin a patient.

In an embodiment, a method is provided that includes comparing, by afirst device including a processor, first electronic information withsecond electronic information. The first electronic information isindicative of a first image associated with a second device external toa body in which an implantable device is located, and the secondelectronic information is indicative of a second image associated withthe implantable device. The method further includes determining whethera defined level of correlation exists between the first electronicinformation and the second electronic information, and initiating atelemetry session between the second device and the implantable devicebased on a determination that the defined level of correlation existsbetween the first electronic information and the second electronicinformation. For example, in some embodiments, the first image and thesecond image are indicative of one or more electronic images of apatient having the body in which the implantable device is located. Thesecond device can include a camera, and the method can also includereceiving, by the first device, the first electronic information fromthe second device, wherein the first electronic information is generatedby the camera of the second device.

In another embodiment, a method is provided that includes comparing, bya first device including a processor, first electronic information withsecond electronic information. The first electronic information isindicative of a first motion of a second device external to a body inwhich an implantable device is located, and the second electronicinformation is indicative of a second motion of the implantable device.The method further includes determining whether a defined level ofcorrelation exists between the first electronic information and thesecond electronic information, and initiating a telemetry sessionbetween the second device and the implantable device based on adetermination that the defined level of correlation exists between thefirst electronic information and the second electronic information. Forexample, the first motion is associated with first acceleration of thesecond device and the second motion is associated with secondacceleration of the implantable device. In some embodiments, the firstmotion is associated with a first time period, the second motion isassociated with a second time period, and the first time period and thesecond time period are concurrent.

In another embodiment, a method is provided that includes comparing, bya first device including a processor, first electronic information withsecond electronic information. The first electronic information isindicative of a speech signal recorded by a second device external to abody in which an implantable device is located, and the secondelectronic information is indicative of vibration information internalto the body and detected by the implantable device. The method furtherincludes determining whether a defined level of correlation existsbetween the first electronic information and the second electronicinformation, and initiating a telemetry session between the seconddevice and the implantable device based on a determination that thedefined level of correlation exists between the first electronicinformation and the second electronic information. In some embodiments,recordation by the second device is performed by a microphone of thesecond device. The vibration information can be detected by anaccelerometer of the implantable device.

In another embodiment, a method is provided that includes comparing, bya first device including a processor, first electronic informationreceived at a second device external to a body in which an implantabledevice is located with second electronic information associated with theimplantable device. The first electronic information and the secondelectronic information include one or more passwords and the firstelectronic information is received via a user interface to the seconddevice. The method further includes determining whether the firstelectronic information and the second electronic information match, andinitiating a telemetry session between the second device and theimplantable device based on a determination that the first electronicinformation and the second electronic information match.

In one or more additional embodiments, a computer-readable storagemedium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium storesexecutable instructions that, in response to execution, cause a firstdevice including a processor to perform operations. These operationsinclude comparing first electronic information with second electronicinformation, wherein the first electronic information is indicative of aspeech signal recorded by a second device external to a body in which animplantable device is located, and wherein the second electronicinformation is indicative of vibration information internal to the bodyand detected by the implantable device. The operations further includedetermining whether a defined level of correlation exists between thefirst electronic information and the second electronic information, andinitiating a telemetry session between the second device and theimplantable device based on a determination that the defined level ofcorrelation exists between the first electronic information and thesecond electronic information.

In one or more additional embodiments, a system is provided thatincludes an implantable device having a processor, and a first deviceconfigured to compare first electronic information received at a seconddevice external to a body in which the implantable device is locatedwith second electronic information associated with the implantabledevice. The first electronic information and the second electronicinformation include one or more types of secure information. The firstelectronic information is received via a user interface to the seconddevice. The first device is further configured to: determine whether thefirst electronic information and the second electronic information havea defined level of similarity, and initiate a telemetry session betweenthe second device and the implantable device based on a determinationthat the first electronic information and the second electronicinformation have the defined level of similarity.

In an additional embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes acomparison device configured to compare first electronic informationreceived at a device external to a body in which an implantable deviceis located with second electronic information associated with theimplantable device. The first electronic information and the secondelectronic information include one or more types of secure information,and the first electronic information is received via a user interface tothe device. The comparison device is further configured to determinewhether the first electronic information and the second electronicinformation have a defined level of correlation. The apparatus furtherincludes a communication device configured to initiate a telemetrysession between the device and the implantable device based on adetermination that the first electronic information and the secondelectronic information have the defined level of correlation.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes acomparison device configured to compare first electronic informationreceived at a device external to a body in which an implantable deviceis located with second electronic information associated with theimplantable device. The first electronic information and the secondelectronic information include one or more types of secure information,and the first electronic information is received via a user interface tothe device. The comparison device is further configured to determinewhether the first electronic information and the second electronicinformation have a defined level of correlation. The apparatus furtherincludes a communication device configured to initiate a telemetrysession between the implantable device and a first device based on adetermination that the first electronic information and the secondelectronic information have the defined level of correlation. The firstdevice is distinct from the device.

In another embodiment, another computer-readable storage medium isprovided. The computer-readable storage medium stores executableinstructions that, in response to execution, cause a first deviceincluding a processor to perform operations. The operations includecomparing first electronic information with second electronicinformation, wherein the first electronic information is indicative ofmorphology of a first aspect of a photoplethysmogram (PPG) for a body inwhich an implantable device is located, and wherein the secondelectronic information is indicative of a second aspect of the body anddetected by the implantable device. The operations also include:determining whether a defined level of correlation exists between thefirst electronic information and the second electronic information; andinitiating a telemetry session between a second device and theimplantable device based on a determination that the defined level ofcorrelation exists between the first electronic information and thesecond electronic information.

Other embodiments and various non-limiting examples, scenarios andimplementations are described in more detail below. The followingdescription and the drawings set forth certain illustrative embodimentsof the specification. These embodiments are indicative, however, of buta few of the various ways in which the principles of the specificationmay be employed. Other advantages and novel features of thespecification will become apparent from the following detaileddescription of the specification when considered in conjunction with thedrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example, non-limitingmedical device telemetry system facilitating authorized telemetry withan implantable device in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a non-limiting system facilitatingauthorized telemetry with an implantable device and an external devicebased on concurrent detection, by the implantable device and theexternal device, of signals associated with a patient in which theimplantable device is implanted in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method offacilitating authorized telemetry with an IMD and an external devicebased on concurrent detection, by the IMD and the external device, ofinformation associated with a heart rhythm of a patient in which the IMDis implanted in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method offacilitating authorized telemetry with an IMD and an external devicebased on concurrent detection, by the IMD and the external device, ofinformation associated with respiration of a patient in which the IMD isimplanted in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method offacilitating authorized telemetry with an IMD and an external devicebased on concurrent detection, by the IMD and the external device, ofinformation associated with a sound made by a patient in which the IMDis implanted in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method offacilitating authorized telemetry with an IMD and an external devicebased on concurrent detection, by the IMD and the external device, ofinformation associated with movement of a patient in which the IMD isimplanted in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a non-limiting system facilitatingauthorized telemetry with an implantable device based on comparison of asignal or security information, received by the implantable device, toreference information corresponding to the signal or the securityinformation in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method offacilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device and anexternal device based on detection, by the implantable device, ofinformation associated with a physiological state of a patient in whichthe implantable device is implanted in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method offacilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device and anexternal device based on a unique sound emitted by the external devicein accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method offacilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device and anexternal device based on a light pattern emitted by the external devicein accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method offacilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device and anexternal device based on a radio frequency signal pattern emitted by theexternal device in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method offacilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device and anexternal device based on image data of a physical feature of a patientin which the implantable device is implanted in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic diagram of another example, non-limitingmedical device telemetry system facilitating authorized telemetry withan implantable device in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of a non-limiting systemfacilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device and asecond external device based on communication of security informationbetween the implantable device and a first external device in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method offacilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device and asecond external device based on concurrent detection, by the implantabledevice and a first external device, of information associated with aheart rhythm of a patient in which the implantable device is implantedin accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method offacilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device and asecond external device based on communication of security informationbetween the implantable device and a first external device in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic diagram of another example, non-limitingmedical device telemetry system facilitating authorized telemetry withan implantable device in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example, non-limiting block diagram of anexternal device configured to facilitate telemetry with an implantabledevice in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 19 illustrates an example, non-limiting block diagram of animplantable device configured to facilitate telemetry with animplantable device in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example, non-limiting block diagram of a serverdevice configured to facilitate telemetry with an implantable device inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 21 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting methodfacilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 22 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting methodfacilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 23 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting methodfacilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 24 illustrates a block diagram of a computer operable to facilitatetelemetry with or via an implantable device in accordance with one ormore embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative and is notintended to limit embodiments and/or application or uses of embodiments.Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed orimplied information presented in the preceding Technical Field,Background or Summary sections, or in the Detailed Description section.

One or more embodiments are now described with reference to thedrawings, wherein like referenced numerals are used to refer to likeelements throughout. In the following description, for purposes ofexplanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a morethorough understanding of the one or more embodiments. It is evident,however, in various cases, that the one or more embodiments can bepracticed without these specific details.

Additionally, the following description refers to components being“connected” and/or “coupled” to one another. As used herein, unlessexpressly stated otherwise, the terms “connected” and/or “coupled” meanthat one component is directly or indirectly connected to anothercomponent, mechanically, electrically, wirelessly, inductively orotherwise. Thus, although the figures may depict example arrangements ofcomponents, additional and/or intervening components may be present inone or more embodiments.

Further, while embodiments described herein variously reference animplantable device or an IMD as implanted or located within a patient ora body or worn by a patient or a body, it is noted and should beunderstood that in any of these embodiments, the implantable device orthe IMD referenced can be implanted or located within the patient orbody and/or coupled to or disposed on an exterior surface of the patientor body as appropriate relative to the specific embodiments. All suchvariations are envisaged and intended to be encompassed herein.

With reference now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematicdiagram of an exemplary, non-limiting medical device telemetry system100 facilitating authorized telemetry between an implantable device andan external device in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein. Embodiments of components, devices, apparatus and/or systemsherein can include one or more machine-executable components embodiedwithin one or more machines (e.g., embodied in one or morecomputer-readable storage media associated with one or more machines),circuitry, hardware (e.g., accelerometers) or a combination of one ormore of machine-executable components, circuitry and/or hardware. Insome embodiments, the machine-executable components (e.g., processors,computers, computing devices or virtual machines), circuitry and/orhardware can cause or enable the components, devices, apparatus and/orsystems to perform one or more operations described herein.

In the embodiment shown, system 100 includes an implantable device 104implanted within a body 102, and an external device 114. In variousembodiments, the implantable device 104 can include any number ofdifferent types of implantable devices. The particular, size, shape,placement and/or function of the implantable device 104 may not becritical to the subject disclosure in some embodiments. In one or moreembodiments, the implantable device 104 is or includes an IMD. Forexample, IMDs can include, but are not limited to, cardiac pacemakers,cardiac defibrillators, cardiac re-synchronization devices, cardiacmonitoring devices, cardiac pressure monitoring devices, cardiac looprecorders, spinal stimulation devices, neural stimulation devices,gastric stimulation devices, diabetes pumps and/or drug deliverydevices. In various embodiments, however, the implantable device 104 canbe or include any number of other types of implantable devices that arenot IMDs.

For exemplary purposes, implantable device 104 is illustrated in system100 as an IMD implanted within the chest of a patient and configured toprovide medical treatment associated with a heart disease or condition(e.g., an ICD and/or a pacemaker). For example, implantable device 104can embody a cardiac stimulation device configured to deliver therapy inthe form of electrical pulses to cardiac tissue. The implantable device104 includes a housing 106 within which electrical components and apower source are housed. These electrical components can vary dependingon the particular features and functionality of the implantable device104. In various embodiments, these electrical components can include,but are not limited to, one or more processors, memories, transmitters,receivers, transceivers, sensors, sensing circuitry, therapy circuitry,antennas and/or other components. Housing 106 can be formed fromconductive materials, non-conductive materials or a combination thereof.

The implantable device 104 further includes leads 110 a,b connected tothe housing 106. The leads 110 a,b extend into the heart andrespectively include one or more electrodes. For example, as depicted insystem 100, leads 110 a,b each include respective tip electrodes 112 a,band ring electrodes 116 a,b located near a distal end of theirrespective leads 110 a,b. When implanted, tip electrodes 112 a,b and/orring electrodes 116 a,b are placed relative to or in a selected tissue,muscle, nerve or other location on or within the body 102 of thepatient. As depicted in system 100, tip electrodes 112 a,b areextendable helically shaped electrodes to facilitate fixation of thedistal end of leads 110 a,b to the target location on or within the body102 of the patient. In this manner, tip electrodes 112 a,b can be formedto define a fixation mechanism. In other embodiments, one or both of tipelectrodes 112 a,b may be formed to define fixation mechanisms of otherstructures. In other instances, leads 110 a,b may include a fixationmechanism separate from tip electrodes 112 a,b. Fixation mechanisms canbe any appropriate type, including, but not limited to, a grapplemechanism, a helical or screw mechanism, a drug-coated connectionmechanism in which one or more drugs serves to reduce infection and/orswelling of the tissue and/or another attachment mechanism.

Leads 110 a,b are connected at a proximal end of the implantable device104 via connector block 108. Connector block 108 may include one or morereceptacles that interconnect with one or more connector terminalslocated on the proximal end of leads 110 a,b. Leads 110 a,b areultimately electrically connected to one or more of the electricalcomponents within housing 106. One or more conductors (not shown) extendwithin leads 110 a,b from connector block 108 along the length of theleads 110 a,b to engage the ring electrodes 116 a,b and tip electrodes112 a,b, respectively. In this manner, each of tip electrodes 112 a,band ring electrodes 116 a,b is electrically coupled to a respectiveconductor within its associated lead bodies. For example, a firstelectrical conductor can extend along the length of the body of lead 110a from connector block 108 and electrically couple to tip electrode 112a and a second electrical conductor can extend along the length of thebody of lead 110 b from connector block 108 and electrically couple toring electrodes 116 b. The respective conductors may electrically coupleto circuitry, such as a therapy module or a sensing module, of theimplantable device 104 via connections in connector block 108.

In one or more embodiments, the implantable device 104 is configured todeliver therapy to the heart (or other location) via the electricalconductors to one or more of tip electrodes 112 a,b and ring electrodes116 a,b. In the case of pacing therapy, for example, the implantabledevice 104 may deliver pacing pulses via a unipolar electrodeconfiguration, e.g., using tip electrodes 112 a,b and a housingelectrode of the implantable device 104. In other instances, theimplantable device 104 may deliver pacing pulses via a bipolar electrodeconfiguration, e.g., using tip electrodes 112 a,b and ring electrodes116 a,b Implantable device 104 may also receive sensed electricalsignals on the electrical conductors from one or more of tip electrodes112 a,b and ring electrodes 116 a,b. The implantable device 104 maysense the electrical signals using either a unipolar or bipolarelectrode configuration.

The configuration, features and functionality of implantable device 104are merely provided as an example. In other examples, the implantabledevice 104 can include more or fewer leads extending from the housing106. For example, the implantable device 104 can be coupled to threeleads. For example, the implantable device 104 can be coupled to a thirdlead implanted within a left ventricle of the heart of the patient. Inanother example, the implantable device 104 can be coupled to a singlelead that is implanted within a chamber, e.g., an atrium or ventricle ofthe heart of the patient. In other embodiments, however, the implantabledevice 104 can be attached to the outside of the heart. In otherembodiments, the lead may be an extravascular lead with the electrodesimplanted subcutaneously above the ribcage/sternum or underneath orbelow the sternum. Example extravascular ICDs having subcutaneouselectrodes are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0214104(Greenhut et al.) and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2015/0133951 (Seifertet al.), each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. Oneexample extravascular ICD having substernal electrodes is described inU.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0330327 (Thompson-Nauman et al.). Insome embodiments, the implantable device 104 can include other leads(e.g., atrial lead and/or left ventricular lead). As such, implantabledevice 104 can be used for single chamber or multi-chamber cardiacrhythm management therapy. In addition to more or fewer leads, each ofthe leads may include more or fewer electrodes. In instances in whichthe implantable device 104 is used for therapy other than pacing (e.g.,defibrillation or cardioversion), the leads can include elongatedelectrodes, which may, in some instances, take the form of a coil. Theimplantable device 104 can deliver defibrillation or cardioversionshocks to the heart via any combination of the elongated electrodes andhousing electrode. As another example, the implantable device 104 caninclude leads with a plurality of ring electrodes (e.g., as used in someimplantable neurostimulators), without a tip electrode or with one ofthe ring electrodes functioning as the tip electrode.

In another embodiment, the implantable device 104 may include no leads,as in the case of an intracardiac pacemaker or a leadless pressuresensor. In the case of an intracardiac pacemaker, the implantable device104 may include a housing sized to fit wholly within the patient'sheart. In one example, the housing may have a volume that is less than1.5 cubic centimeters (cc) and, in some embodiments, less than 1.0 cc.However, the housing may be greater than or equal to 1.5 cc in otherexamples. The intracardiac pacemaker includes at least two electrodesspaced apart along the outer portion of the housing for sensing cardiacelectrogram signals and/or delivering pacing pulses. Exampleintracardiac pacemakers are described in commonly-assigned U.S. PatentPublication No. 2012/0172690 (Anderson et al.), U.S. Patent PublicationNo. 2012/0172941 (Kenneth), and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0214104(Greenhut et al.), each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.In the case of a leadless pressure sensor, the implantable device 104may include a housing having a fixation member and a pressure sensingcomponent. One example of a leadless pressure sensor is described inU.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0108922 (Schell et al.), which isincorporated herein in its entirety.

Implantable device 104 can include various different types of sensors,electrodes and/or circuitry configured to detect one or more signalsassociated with a physiological state within the body 102 of thepatient, motion of the body 102 of the patient, or sound or speechgenerated or detected within the body 102 of the patient. In someembodiments, the physiological state can include a function of the body102 and/or a condition of the body 102. These sensors, electrodes and/orcircuitry can include, but are not limited to, sensors, electrodesand/or circuitry configured to detect blood pressure, blood flow rate,heart rate, respiratory rate, blood composition, substances within theblood (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide or glucose), temperature, patientactivity state (e.g., moving, still, asleep, awake or exercising),speech and/or other physical properties associated with the patient. Asimplantable device 104 is illustrated in system 100, by way of example,these sensors and/or circuitry can be included within the housing 106and/or included on or in association with the various leads 110 a,b, tipelectrodes 112 a,b and ring electrodes 116 a,b of the implantable device104. For example, in addition to tip electrodes 112 a,b and ringelectrodes 116 a,b, implantable device 104 can include one or moreadditional sensors (not shown) that include, but are not limited to,pressure sensors, blood flow sensors, force sensors, blood compositionsensors, optical sensors, accelerometers, piezoelectric sensors,biosensors, acoustic sensors and/or other sensors configured to detectstates and/or physical activity of the body 102.

Aspects of the systems, apparatuses or processes explained in thisdisclosure can constitute machine-executable component(s) embodiedwithin machine(s), e.g., embodied in one or more computer-readablestorage mediums (or media) associated with one or more machines. Suchcomponent(s), when executed by the one or more machines, e.g.,computer(s), computing device(s), virtual machine(s), etc. can cause themachine(s) to perform the operations described. Implantable device 104can include memory (not shown) for storing computer-executablecomponents and instructions. Implantable device 104 can further includea processor (not shown) to facilitate operation of the instructions(e.g., computer-executable components and instructions) by implantabledevice 104.

In one or more embodiments described herein, when authorized, anexternal device 114 can communicate with the implantable device 104 toexchange data with the implantable device 104. For example, the externaldevice 114 can read data captured by the implantable device 104 (e.g.,electrocardiogram (ECG) data) and/or remotely control the implantabledevice 104 (e.g., to adjust sensing, pacing therapy and/ordefibrillation therapy). In one example, the external device 114 canremotely control the implantable device 104 by programming theimplantable device 104. The implantable device 104 may also transmit toexternal device 114 sensed physiological data, diagnostic determinationsmade based on the sensed physiological data, implantable device 104performance data and/or implantable device 104 integrity data.

External device 114 can include any suitable computing device configuredto communicate with implantable device 104. For example, external device114 can include, but is not limited to, a handheld computing device, awearable computing device, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tabletpersonal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptopcomputer, and/or a desktop.

Implantable device 104 and external device 114 can employ variouswireless communication protocols to communicate with one another inassociation with an authorized telemetry session. For example, externaldevice 114 and implantable device 104 can communicate using near fieldcommunication (NFC). In another example, external device 114 andimplantable device 104 can communicate using any of various types ofwireless communication protocols. For example, other communicationprotocols that can be employed by external device 114 and implantabledevice 104 to perform telemetry can include, but are not limited to, aBLUETOOTH® technology-based protocol (e.g., BLUETOOTH® low energy (BTLE)protocol), an ultra-wideband (UWB) technology-based protocol, a radiofrequency (RF) communication-based protocol, or any other proprietary ornon-proprietary communication protocols.

In various embodiments, communication can be facilitated over a personalarea network (PAN) or a local area network (LAN) (e.g., a WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) network) that can provide for communication overgreater distances than the NFC protocol or provide other advantages(e.g., stronger encryption protocols). In some embodiments, the externaldevice 114 and the implantable device 104 can communicate with oneanother and/or another device (e.g., a server device or a secondexternal device) over a wide area network (WAN) using cellular or HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP)-based communication protocols (e.g.,session initiation protocol (SIP)).

A first group of embodiments of system 100 is described in connectionwith authorizing telemetry between the implantable device 104 and theexternal device 114 based on information that is concurrently detectedby the implantable device 104 and the external device 114. In someembodiments, detection by the implantable device 104 and the externaldevice 114 can include, but is not limited to, sensing and/or measuringinformation or signals by the implantable device 104 and the externaldevice 114. In some embodiments, the detection can be performed when theimplantable device 104 and the external device 114 are located withinrelatively close proximity of one another although such is not requiredin every embodiment envisaged herein.

The term “concurrently” is used herein to refer to an overlapping timeperiod. In various embodiments, the overlapping time periods can startand stop at different points in time while having at least a portion oftime that is overlapping. In some embodiments, the duration of the timeperiods during which the detecting is performed can vary depending onthe type of signal that is being detected by the implantable device 104and/or the external device 114. In various embodiments, the signal canbe detected by any number of different approaches including, but notlimited to, sensing, measuring or the like. In some embodiments, whenthe implantable device 104 and the external device 114 are configured todetect information associated with a distinct sound or speech generatedby the body 102 in which the implantable device 104 is implanted, theduration of the time period during which the implantable device 104and/or the external device 114 performs detection can be determined bythe duration of the distinct sound or speech.

A sensor or detection device as described herein can include hardware(e.g., sensor hardware components, sensor circuitry or a processor),software (e.g., computer-executable instructions configured tofacilitate processing of sensed data), or a combination of hardware andsoftware configured to detect (e.g., by sensing, detection ormeasurement) a property (e.g., physiological property) associated withthe body 102 in which the implantable device 104 is located, and/orconfigured to record, indicate or otherwise respond to the detectedproperty.

Employing detection devices and/or sensors, the implantable device 104and/or the external device 114 can detect, over a defined detectionperiod, one or more different signals associated with a specificphysiological state of the body 102 of the patient, a specific movementof the body 102 of the patient, a specific sound/speech detected withinthe body 102 of the patient and/or a specific sound/speech generated bya user outside the body 102 that is also detected within the body 102 ofthe patient.

For example, the implantable device 104 can detect, within a defineddetection period, a first signal associated with a specificphysiological state of the body 102 of the patient, a specific movementof the body 102 of the patient and/or a specific sound/speech generatedby the body 102 of the patient. The external device 114 can also detect,within the same detection period, a second signal associated with thespecific physiological state of the body 102 of the patient, thespecific movement of the body 102 of the patient and/or the specificsound/speech detected within the body 102 of the patient. In someembodiments, the second signal can include or represent an external(e.g., outside the body) effect of the physiological state, movement, orsound/speech. For example, an external effect of speech can includesound generated by the body 102 of the patient and detectable via amicrophone (not shown) of the external device 114.

In one embodiment, after or during concurrent detecting of the first andsecond signals by the implantable device 104 and the external device114, respectively, the external device 114 is configured to communicateelectronic information to the implantable device 104 that isrepresentative of the second signal. In some embodiments, the electronicinformation is also representative of the detection period over whichthe second signal was detected. For example, the electronic informationcan include data corresponding to the raw detected signals and/orprocessed data corresponding to a characteristic of the physiologicalstate/function of the body 102 in which the implantable device 104 islocated, movement of the body 102 in which the implantable device 104 islocated and/or sound/speech generated and/or detected within the body102 in which the implantable device 104 is located. The processed datacan be determined based on the raw detected signals.

The implantable device 104 can compare electronic informationrepresentative of the first signal with the electronic informationrepresentative of the second signal to determine a degree of similarityor correlation between the electronic information for the first andsecond signals.

In response to a determination that the electronic information for thefirst and second signals have a defined degree of similarity orcorrelation (the degree of which can be dictated by the designer of theimplantable device 104 and/or can change from time to time or can changebased on different conditions indicating greater or less security risk),the implantable device 104 can initiate a telemetry session with theexternal device 114 (or another external device as discussed in greaterdetail with respect to FIG. 13). In response to a determination that theelectronic information for the first and second signals fails to exhibitthe defined degree of similarity or correlation with one another, theimplantable device 104 can forgo authorization and initiation of thetelemetry session with the external device 114.

In another embodiment, after or during concurrent detecting of the firstand second signals by the implantable device 104 and/or the externaldevice 114, respectively, the implantable device 104 can communicate tothe external device 114, electronic information that is representativeof the first signal (which is detected by the implantable device 104).In some embodiments, the electronic information representative of thefirst signal can also identify the defined time period over which thefirst signal was detected. The external device 114 can then compareelectronic information representative of the second signal (which isdetected by the external device 114) with the electronic informationrepresentative of the first signal. In response to a determination thatthe electronic information for the first and second signals have adefined degree of similarity or correlation, the external device 114 canauthorize and/or initiate a telemetry session with the implantabledevice 104. In response to a determination that the electronicinformation for the first and second signals fails to exhibit thedefined degree of similarity or correlation, the external device 114 canforgo authorization and initiation of the telemetry session with theimplantable device 104.

In one embodiment, the information that is concurrently detected by theexternal device 114 and the implantable device 104 includes informationassociated with a rhythm of the heart within the body 102 in which theimplantable device 104 is located. According to this embodiment, theimplantable device 104 and the external device 114 can include variousdifferent types of sensors, and/or circuitry configured to detectinformation associated with the heart rhythm. The information detectedcan be processed in various embodiments. For example, the implantabledevice 104 can include hardware, software, or a combination of hardwareand software, that is configured to measure electrical activity of theheart. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is an example of a device that can beemployed by the implantable device 104 to record the electrical activityof the heart over a defined period of time, as detected by one or moreelectrodes (e.g., tip electrodes 112 a,b or ring electrodes 116 a,b)connected to one or more parts of the body 102 (e.g., cardiac tissueinside the body 102, skin of the chest outside the body 102 and/or nearthe heart). An ECG detects electrical impulses generated by thepolarization and depolarization of cardiac tissue and translates theimpulses into a waveform that corresponds to the rate and regularity ofbeats of the heart.

In another example, the implantable device 104 can include or beassociated with a device (e.g., pulse oximeter) that is configured todetect variation in blood oxygenation level that can be correlated topulse rate. A pulse oximeter can indirectly monitor the oxygensaturation of the blood in body 102 (as opposed to measuring oxygensaturation directly through a blood sample). The pulse oximeter canutilize the light absorptive characteristics of hemoglobin and thepulsating nature of blood flow through the body 102 to aid indetermining the oxygenation status in the body 102. First, there is acolor difference between arterial hemoglobin saturated with oxygen,which is bright red, and venous hemoglobin without oxygen, which is darkred. Second, with each pulsation or heartbeat there is generally aslight increase in the volume of blood flowing through the arteries.Because of the increase of blood volume, albeit small, there isgenerally an associated increase in oxygen-rich hemoglobin. A PPG can begenerated based on the amount of oxygen-rich hemoglobin pulsatingthrough the blood vessel volume.

In one embodiment, the implantable device 104 can include atransmittance pulse oximeter. The transmittance pulse oximeter caninclude a photodetector, a light source, and a circuit that produces,collects, and processes photoplethysmographic signals. The implantabledevice 104 can activate the transmittance pulse oximeter to generate twowavelengths of light through a part of the body 102 and that is detectedby the photodetector. The photodetector can measure the changingabsorbance at each of the wavelengths in response to transmittance ofthe light wavelengths through the body 102. Based on the changes inabsorbance, the transmittance pulse oximeter can determine the pulserate of the patient.

In another embodiment, the implantable device 104 can include areflectance pulse oximeter to determine pulse rate of the body 102. Thereflectance pulse oximeter can also include a photodetector, a lightsource, and a circuit that produces, collects, and processes PPGsignals. With a reflectance pulse oximeter, the incident light is passedthrough the body and is reflected from the subcutaneous tissue and boneback to the photodetector.

The external device 114 can also include or employ various sensorsand/or circuitry configured to process information associated with heartrhythm. In one embodiment, the external device 114 can include a heartrate monitoring device configured to sense electrical activity of theheart when placed against the body 102 near the chest. According to thisembodiment, the heart rate monitoring device can operate as an ECG. Asdiscussed above, the electrical signals sensed by the ECG can be used bythe external device 114 and/or the heart rate monitoring device todetermine the pulse rate of the body 102.

In another embodiment, the external device 114 can include atransmittance or reflectance pulse oximeter configured to determinepulse rate based on detected changes in blood oxygenation levels whenthe pulse oximeter is contacted with an external part of the body 102 ofthe patient. For example, the external device 114 can include or becommunicatively coupled to a pulse oximeter configured to detect pulserate in response to placement of the pulse oximeter on the finger orwrist of the body 102 in which the implantable device 104 is located.

In another embodiment, the external device 114 can include a videocamera and employ functionalities of the video camera to detect pulserate within the body 102 in which the implantable device 104 is located.For example, the video camera can capture changes in skin color of thebody 102 that can occur based on pulsating blood flow. The pulsatingblood flow can be detected in response to placement of a part (e.g.,finger) of the body 102 on or near the video camera for a defineddetection period. The external device 114 can correlate signalscorresponding to changes in skin color to variances in blood oxygenationlevels, which can be further correlated to pulse rate.

In yet another embodiment, the external device 114 can captureinformation regarding pulse rate within the body 102 by detectingchanges in reflectance properties of the face associated with the body102 by using a camera of the external device 114. For example, theincrease in blood volume as the blood vessels in the face expand withevery heart beat causes more light to be absorbed, resulting in adecrease in the amount of light reflected from the face. External device114 can employ a camera that is configured to detect signalscorresponding to differences in light reflection from the face over adefined detection period. The external device 114 can further correlatethese signals to the pulse rate within the body 102.

When or after the implantable device 104 detects first signalsassociated with a heart rate of the body 102 and the external device 114detects second signals associated with the heart rate of the body 102over a defined, overlapping period of time, the first and second signalsmay correspond to one another. For example, a pulse rate by a body 102determined by the implantable device 104 based on the electrical signalsof an ECG reading by the implantable device 104 or an IMD associatedwith the implantable device 104 can be the same as, or substantiallysimilar to, a pulse rate determined for the same body 102 by theexternal device 114 over the defined period of time based on signalscaptured using a pulse oximeter or camera of the external device 114.

In one or more embodiments, the external device 114 can provide, to theimplantable device 104, first electrical information regarding signalsdetected by the external device 114 and associated with the heart rateof the body 102 (e.g., ECG data, PPG data, image data corresponding tovariances in blood oxygenation levels and/or a determined pulse rate).By contrast, in one or more embodiments, implantable device 104 canprovide, to the external device 114, second electrical informationregarding signals detected by the implantable device 104 and associatedwith the heart rate of the body. The implantable device 104 and/or theexternal device 114 can then determine a degree of similarity orcorrelation between the first and second electrical information. Forexample, the implantable device 104 and/or the external device 114 candetermine a degree to which the first and second electrical informationcorrespond to the same heart rate. In response to a determination thatthe degree of similarity or correlation between the first and secondelectrical information is greater than or equal to a threshold value,the implantable device 104 and/or the external device 114 can authorizeand/or initiate a telemetry session.

Because the techniques employed by the external device 114 to captureinformation regarding a heart rate of the body 102 employ a framework inwhich the external device 114 is touching or is within close proximityto the body 102 in which the implantable device 104 is implanted,correspondence between the different heart rate information captured anddetermined by the implantable device 104 and the external device 114 canindicate that the external device 114 (or a user of the external device114) and the patient in which the implantable device 104 is implantedare in a trusted relationship. For example, in one embodiment asdepicted in system 100, the user of the external device 114 can be thepatient having the body 102 in which the implantable device 104 islocated. In another example, the user operating the external device 114can be a trusted person (e.g., a medical caregiver) or device thatinterfaces directly with the patient in which the implantable device 104is implanted. Therefore, correspondence between the different heart rateinformation captured and determined by the implantable device 104 andthe external device 114 can be used to authorize a telemetry sessionbetween the implantable device 104 and the external device 114 (orbetween the implantable device 104 and another external device).

In another embodiment, the information that is concurrently detected bythe external device 114 and the implantable device 104 includesinformation associated with respiration within the body 102 in which theimplantable device 104 is located. For example, the implantable device104 and/or the external device 114 can include hardware, software, or acombination of hardware and software, that is configured to detectsignals representative of a respiratory rate of the body 102 of thepatient. Respiratory rate refers to the number of breaths (e.g.,inhalation-exhalation cycles) taken within a particular amount of time.In another example, the implantable device 104 and/or the externaldevice can include hardware, software, or a combination of hardware andsoftware, that is configured to detect signals representative ofrespiratory minute volume. A respiratory minute volume is the volume ofair that is inhaled (e.g., inhaled volume) or exhaled (e.g., exhaledvolume) from the lungs in a defined time period (e.g., one minute).

In accordance with this embodiment, the implantable device 104 and theexternal device 114 can include various different types of sensorsand/or circuitry configured to measure gas volume, gas flow, gaspressure and/or gas concentration. These sensors can include, but arenot limited to, volume displacement spirometers, pressure-droppneumotachometers, hot wire anemometers, turbines, pressure transducers,thermal conductivity meters, infrared (IR) gas analyzers, emissionspectroscopy analyzers, and/or gas chromatography (GC) analyzers.

In another embodiment, the implantable device 104 and/or the externaldevice 114 can include or utilize one or more sensors and/or circuitryconfigured to perform impedance pneumography. Impedance pneumographyinvolves using two or four electrodes in contact with the chest (e.g.,either internally or externally) of the body 102. One or more of theelectrodes can measure electrical impedance of the thorax of the body102. Signals associated with electrical impedance of the thorax can berepresentative of or employed to determine the breathing rate within thebody 102.

In another embodiment, the implantable device 104 and/or the externaldevice 114 can include or employ an optical interferometer device todetermine a rate of the heart within the body 102. An interferometerdevice includes optical fibers, and is configured to detect physicalchanges of optical fiber length due to external perturbations. When indirect or indirect contact with the body 102, mechanical and acousticactivity of cardiac muscle and respiration are indicated in aninterferometric signal representative of the respiration rate within thebody 102.

In another embodiment, the implantable device 104 and/or the externaldevice 114 can include one or more acoustic sensors to detectinformation corresponding to a respiration rate within the body 102. Forexample, the acoustic sensors can detect audio signals associated withbreathing (or with cessation of breathing). Based on analysis of theaudio signals, the acoustic sensors and/or the implantable device 104 orthe external device 114, can determine a respiration rate within thebody.

In yet another embodiment, the implantable device 104 and/or theexternal device 114 can include one or more motion sensors (e.g., anaccelerometer, a piezoelectric sensor or a gyroscope) configured todetect motion of the chest, lungs and or diagram of the body 102 inassociation with breathing or other action (e.g., jumping or running inplace). For example, the implantable device 104 can detect motion of oneor more aspects of blood or organs inside the body 102, and the externaldevice 114 can detect motion of external portions of the body 102 (e.g.,chest or stomach). Motion signals (e.g., signals indicative ofdisplacement, velocity and/or acceleration of the body 102) associatedwith breathing can reflect a specific pattern or set of periods ofmovement/non-movement. In an embodiment, the implantable device 104and/or the external device can deduce a ventilation rate of a body 102based on the specific pattern or set of periods of movement/non-movementin the motion signals.

In another example, first chest movement data (e.g., corresponding to apattern or set of expansions/deflations of the lungs of the body 102)detected by the implantable device 104 during a period of ventilation(or breath holding) within the body 102 can be compared with secondchest movement data detected by the external device 114 data (e.g.,corresponding to a pattern or set of movements/non-movements of risesand falls of the chest of the body 102) during the same period ofventilation (or breath holding) by the patient. The first chest movementdata can be compared to the second chest movement to determine whetherthere is at least a defined degree of similarity between the first chestmovement and the second chest movement over a defined time period.

In some embodiments, the first chest movement and the second chestmovement can be represented as first electrical information and secondelectrical information by the implantable device 104 and the externaldevice 114, respectively. In some embodiments, the implantable device104 and/or the external device 114 can then determine a degree ofsimilarity or correlation between the first and second electricalinformation. For example, the implantable device 104 and/or the externaldevice 114 can determine a degree to which the first and secondelectrical information correspond to a same ventilation rate. Inresponse to a determination that the degree of similarity or correlationbetween the first and second electrical information is greater than orequal to a threshold value, the implantable device 104 and/or theexternal device 114 can authorize and/or initiate a telemetry session.

The various embodiments discussed above can employ evaluation of thecorrelation between information associated with any of a number ofdifferent types of physiological states of the body 102 (e.g., heartrhythm or ventilation rate) detected by the implantable device 104 andthe external device 114 over a same detection period to authorizetelemetry between the implantable device 104 and the external device 114(or between the implantable device 104 and another external device). Itshould be appreciated, however, that a variety of additionalphysiological states associated with the body 102 that are capable ofbeing detected by both the implantable device 104 and the externaldevice 114 can serve as a basis for determining whether to authorizetelemetry between the implantable device 104 and the external device 114(or between the implantable device 104 and another external device). Forexample, in various embodiments, the physiological states can include,but are not limited to, blood pressure, blood composition, temperatureor the like.

In another embodiment, in addition to or as an alternative to detectionof physiological state of the body 102, the information that isconcurrently detected by the external device 114 and the implantabledevice 104 can include information associated with a movement of thebody 102 in which the implantable device 104 is located. According tothis embodiment, the implantable device 104 and the external device 114can each include one or more motion detection sensors or circuitry(e.g., an accelerometer, a gyroscope or a piezoelectric sensor)configured to detect motion signals (e.g., acceleration, orientation,velocity or displacement) corresponding to motion of the body 102 inwhich the implantable device 104 is located. Information that composesmotion data and/or patterns of the motion data can indicate a particularmotion of the body 102. For example, information that composes motiondata and/or patterns in motion data can reflect sitting, standing,walking, jumping, etc., or can reflect, in some embodiments, moregranular motions such as blinking of an eye. Information that composesthe motion data and/or patterns in motion data can also correlate tospecific positions of the body 102 in a three-dimensional coordinateplane over a duration of a detection period.

In various embodiments, the external device 114 can be held (as depictedin system 100), worn, or otherwise coupled to or in close proximity tothe body 102 in which the implantable device 104 is implanted. Accordingto this embodiment, as the body 102 performs a particular motion, theexternal device 114 and the implantable device 104 can also move inaccordance with the motion of the body 102. For example, as the body 102walks, the implantable device 104 and the external device 114 canexperience the walking motion. The implantable device 104 and theexternal device 114 can therefore each detect information regarding thesame walking motion of the body 102 during a defined detection period.

In another embodiment, the external device 114 can include a componentthat is located remote from the body 102 and configured to detect motionof the body 102. For example, the component can be or include a camera,a laser, or other suitable motion detection device. For example, theexternal device 114 can include a video camera configured to capturevideo image data of the body 102 as the body 102 performs a motion. Theexternal device 114 can further include circuitry and/or processingcomponents configured to process the video data to determine orcharacterize the motion of the body 102. Also according to thisembodiment, the implantable device 104 can concurrently detect motiondata corresponding to the motion of the implantable device 104 duringthe detection period. The video data and/or the processed video data andthe motion data can later be compared to determine a degree ofcorrelation between the video data (and/or processed video data) and themotion data.

When the implantable device 104 detects first signals associated withmotion within a body 102 and the external device 114 detects secondsignals associated with the motion of the body 102 over a same period oftime, the first and second signals can correspond to one another and/orexhibit a known correlation. For example, a motion pattern correspondingto one or more changes in velocity, acceleration, orientation,displacement, etc., for the body 102 captured by the implantable device104 over a defined duration of time can exhibit similarity to anothermotion pattern captured by the external device 114 for the body 102 overthe same duration of time.

In one or more embodiments, the external device 114 can provide, to theimplantable device 104, first electrical information regarding signalsdetected by the external device 114; or the implantable device 104 canprovide, to the external device 114, second electrical informationregarding signals detected by the implantable device 104 associated withthe motion of the body 102. The device that receives the first or secondsignal (e.g., the implantable device 104 or the external device 114,depending on the embodiment) can then determine a degree of similarityor correlation between the first and second electrical information. Forexample, the implantable device 104 and/or the external device 114 candetermine a degree to which the first and second electrical informationcorrespond to the same motion or motion pattern. In response to adetermination that the degree of similarity or correlation between thefirst and second electrical information is greater than or equal to athreshold value, the implantable device 104 and/or the external device114 can authorize and/or initiate a telemetry session.

Because the techniques employed by the external device 114 to captureinformation regarding motion employ cases in which the external device114 is attached to (e.g., worn or held) or in close proximity to thebody 102 in which the implantable device 104 is located, correspondencebetween the different motion information captured and determined by theimplantable device 104 and the external device 114 can thereforeindicate the external device 114 (or a user of the external device 114)and the implantable device 104 (or a body 102 in which the implantabledevice 104 is implanted) are in a trusted relationship. Therefore,correspondence between the different motion information captured anddetermined by the implantable device 104 and the external device 114 canbe used to authorize a telemetry session between the implantable device104 and the external device 114 (or between the implantable device 104and another external device).

In some embodiments, the external device 114 and/or the implantabledevice 104 can employ an additional level of security by restricting theparticular motion performed by the patient and that is used to authorizetelemetry. For example, in addition to determining correspondencebetween motion data concurrently detected by the implantable device 104and the external device 114, the implantable device 104 and/or theexternal device 114 can determine a specific motion (e.g., lying down,clapping hands three times or performing a specific dance move)represented by the motion data. For example, in some embodiments, themotion data can be compared to a table that correlates different motiondata with motions. The table can be stored in memory or otherwiseaccessible to the implantable device 104 in various embodiments. Theimplantable device 104 and/or the external device 114 can be configuredto compare the detected motion to a reference motion that is evaluatedto determine whether to provide authorization of the telemetry session.For example, the reference motion can be stored in memory of (orotherwise accessible by) the implantable device 104 or the externaldevice 114. According to these embodiments, the external device 114and/or the implantable device 104 can be configured to authorize thetelemetry session in response to a determination that the motion datadetected by the implantable device 104 and the external device 114exhibits a threshold degree of similarity and/or corresponds toparticular reference motion data.

Still in yet another embodiment, the information that is detected by theexternal device 114 and the implantable device 104 can includeinformation associated with a sound detectable by both the externaldevice 114 and the implantable device 104. For example, the sound can begenerated by a body 102 in which the implantable device 104 is located.The sound can be generated by a spoken voice, singing, a melodic hum,etc. In another example, the sound can include a digital sound generatedby the external device 114. In yet another example, the sound caninclude a sound generated by another device, user, musical instrument,etc. within audible range of the implantable device 104 and the externaldevice 114. According to these embodiments, the implantable device 104and the external device 114 can each include one or more acousticsensors, digital sound recording devices, or motion detection sensors(e.g., an accelerometer, a gyroscope or a piezoelectric sensor) andassociated circuitry to detect and process audio signals. In someembodiments, the external device 114 can detect audio signals associatedwith sound via an analog or digital acoustic sensor (e.g., amicrophone). The implantable device 104 and/or the external device 114can determine various features of the audio signal (e.g., frequency,bandwidth, period, amplitude or waveform). In some embodiments, theexternal device 114 and/or the one or more acoustic sensors can furtherprocess the audio signals to perform audio fingerprinting or voice totext recognition.

The implantable device 104 can also employ an acoustic sensor to processaudio signals associated with a sound generated by the body 102 in whichthe implantable device 104 is located. For example, using an acousticsensor, the implantable device 104 can detect sound waves resonatedwithin the body 102 or sound waves traveling through the tissue of thebody 102.

In another example, the implantable device 104 can detect vibrationsresonating through the body 102 in response to a sound generated by thebody 102 in which the implantable device 104 is implanted. For example,to generate the human voice, the human vocal cords vibrate, modulatingthe flow of air being expelled from the lungs. This process is calledphonation. In particular, phonation is the process by which the vocalcord folds to produce certain sounds through quasi-periodic vibration.The vocal cords are open during inhalation, closed when holding one'sbreath, and vibrating for speech or singing. Accordingly, implantabledevice 104 can employ various motion sensors (e.g., an accelerometer,piezoelectric device or a gyroscope) to detect vibrations associatedwith the vibration of the vocal cords when employed to generate sound(e.g., speech, singing or laughing).

When the implantable device 104 detects first signals associated with aparticular sound and the external device 114 detects second signalsassociated with the particular sound over the same period of time, thefirst and second signals can correspond to one another in some cases.For example, a waveform associated with a particular sound detected bythe external device 114 can exhibit similarity to, or correlation with,another waveform detected by the implantable device 104 for theparticular sound.

In one or more embodiments, the external device 114 can provide, to theimplantable device 104, first electrical information regarding signalsdetected by the external device 114 associated with the sound. In one ormore embodiments, the implantable device 104 can provide, to theexternal device 114, second electrical information regarding signalsdetected by the implantable device 104. The implantable device 104and/or the external device 114 that receives the first or secondelectrical information can then determine a degree of similarity orcorrelation between the first and second electrical information. Inresponse to a determination that the degree of similarity or correlationbetween the first and second electrical information is greater than orequal to a threshold value, the implantable device 104 and/or theexternal device 114 can authorize and/or initiate a telemetry session.

In some embodiments, the external device 114 and/or the implantabledevice 104 can employ an additional level of security by restricting theparticular sound that is used to authorize telemetry, such as aparticular word, phrase, song or melody. For example, in addition todetermining correspondence between sound data concurrently detected bythe implantable device 104 and the external device 114, the implantabledevice 104 and/or the external device 114 can determine a specific soundwaveform, audio fingerprint, or other distinguishing characteristic ofthe sound. The implantable device 104 and/or the external device 114 canbe configured to compare the detected sound waveform, audio fingerprint,etc., to a reference sound waveform or audio fingerprint that isutilized for authorization of the telemetry session. For example, thereference sound waveform or reference audio fingerprint can be stored inmemory of (or otherwise accessible to) the implantable device 104 and/orthe external device 114. According to this embodiment, the externaldevice 114 and/or the implantable device 104 can be configured toauthorize the telemetry session in response to determination that thesound data detected by the implantable device 104 and/or external device114 exhibits a threshold degree of similarity to, or corresponds with,the reference sound data (e.g., reference sound wave or reference audiofingerprint) stored in memory of and/or accessible to the implantabledevice 104 and/or the external device 114.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a non-limiting system 200facilitating authorization of telemetry with an implantable device andan external device based on concurrent detection, by the implantabledevice and the external device, of signals associated with a body of apatient in which the implantable device is implanted in accordance withthe first group of embodiments of system 100 described herein.Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodimentsdescribed herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

Similar to system 100, system 200 includes external device 114 andimplantable device 104. Although not shown, it is to be appreciated thatthe implantable device 104 is implanted within a body of a living being(e.g., body 102). For exemplary purposes, system 200 is described withthe assumption that the implantable device 104 is implanted within ahuman being. In other embodiments, the system 200 can apply to or beemployed for animals or other living beings.

As depicted in system 200, the external device 114 and the implantabledevice 104 are configured to perform concurrent detecting of differentsignals 202 and 204, respectively. As discussed supra, in one or moreembodiments, these signals 202 and 204 can include different informationassociated with a physiological state of a body in which the implantabledevice 104 is implanted. For example, signals 202 and 204 can eachrepresent raw data that can be correlated to a heart rate, ventilationrate and/or blood pressure. This raw data can vary depending on theimplementation of system 200 and the detection devices (e.g., detectiondevice 206 and detection device 216) employed by the external device 114and the implantable device 104. For example, in embodiments in whichexternal device 114 is configured to detect signals associated withheart rate using a pulse oximeter, signal 202 can include informationcorresponding to variation in absorbance of wavelengths of lightcaptured by a photodiode in response to transmittance of the differentwavelengths of light through blood. Similarly, in embodiments in whichthe implantable device 104 is configured to detect signals associatedwith heart rate using an ECG device, signal 204 can include informationcorresponding to electrical activity of the heart.

In another example, signals 202 and 204 can respectively include rawmotion data based on motion of the body in which the implantable device104 is implanted. For example, in embodiments in which the externaldevice 114 is held, worn, or otherwise attached to the body in which theimplantable device 104 is implanted, signal 202 generated by theexternal device 114 can vary in response to movement of the body.Accordingly, signal 202 can include first motion data (e.g., velocitymeasurements, acceleration measurements or displacement measurements)corresponding to motion of the external device 114 in response tomovement of the body in which the implantable device 104 is implanted.Similarly, signal 204 can include second motion data (e.g., velocitymeasurements, acceleration measurements or displacement measurements)corresponding to motion of the implantable device 104 in response to themotion of the body in which the implantable device 104 is implanted.

As another example, signals 202 and 204 can each include raw data thatcan be generated based on a walking motion, a lying down motion (orposition), a jumping motion, a spinning motion, a hand raising motion,etc, made by the body in which the implantable device 104 is implanted.This raw data can vary depending on the implementation of system 200and/or the detection devices (e.g., detection device 206 and detectiondevice 216) employed by the external device 114 and the implantabledevice 104. For example, when external device 114 is configured todetect motion signals using an accelerometer, signal 202 can includeacceleration measurements corresponding to the acceleration of theexternal device 114 over the duration of the detection period.Similarly, when implantable device 104 is configured to detect motionsignals using a piezoelectric device, signal 204 can include informationcorresponding to changes in pressure, acceleration, strain or forceexperienced by the implantable device 104.

In yet another example, signals 202 and 204 can each include raw datacorresponding to a sound that is concurrently detected by externaldevice 114 and implantable device 104. In one embodiment, theconcurrently detected sound includes a voice sound made by the body inwhich the implantable device 104 is implanted. In another embodiment,the concurrently detected sound can include a sound generated by theexternal device 114. In yet another embodiment, the concurrentlydetected sound can include a sound made by another device, person,object, etc. Accordingly, the data of raw signals 202 and 204 can varydepending on the implementation of system 200 and the detection devices(e.g., detection device 206 and detection device 216) employed by theexternal device 114 and the implantable device 104.

As another example, when external device 114 and implantable device 104are configured to employ acoustic sensors, signal 202 can include firstsound waves received or detected at the external device 114 and signal204 can include second sound waves received or detected at theimplantable device 104 (e.g., through the body). In another example,when the concurrently detected sound includes a voice sound made by thebody in which the implantable device 104 is implanted, signal 204 canalso include vibration data corresponding to vibration of the vocalcords during production of the sound.

In various embodiments, external device 114 can include a detectiondevice 206, an authentication controller component 208, and acommunication device 214. The detection device 206 is configured todetect signal 202 and the like (e.g., signals associated with aphysiological state of the body in which the implantable device 104 isimplanted, a motion of the external device 114 and/or a sound) using oneor more sensors, devices, and/or circuitry within or electrically (ormechanically) coupled to the external device 114. These sensors, devicesand/or circuitry can vary depending on the implementation of system 200.

For example, as discussed supra, in one implementation, detection device206 is configured to detect or measure physiological data associatedwith a rhythm of the heart of the body in which the implantable device104 is implanted. In accordance with this implementation, detectiondevice 206 can include, but is not limited to, an ECG device, atransmittance pulse oximeter device and/or a reflectance pulse oximeterdevice. Detection device 206 can also include a video camera andassociated circuitry/software configured to capture and process changesin skin color based on pulsating blood flow in response to placement ofa part of the body (e.g., a finger) on the video camera, and/orassociated circuitry/software configured to capture and processreflectance properties of the face or body part.

In another implementation, detection device 206 is configured to detectphysiological data associated with ventilation of the body in which theimplantable device 104 is implanted. In accordance with thisimplementation, detection device 206 can include different types ofsensors, and/or circuitry, configured to measure gas volume, gas flow,gas pressure, or gas concentration. These sensors can include, but arenot limited to, volume displacement spirometers, pressure-droppneumotachometers, hot wire anemometers, turbines, pressure transducers,thermal conductivity meters, IR gas analyzers, emission spectroscopyanalyzers, and GC analyzers. In accordance with this implementation,detection device 206 can also include an optical interferometer device,acoustic sensors (e.g., to detect audio signals associated withinhalation and exhalation), and/or motion sensors (e.g., anaccelerometer, a piezoelectric sensor, a gyroscope or a pressure sensor)configured to detect motion of the chest, lungs and/or diaphragm inassociation with inhalation and exhalation.

In another implementation, detection device 206 is configured to detectmotion data associated with movement of the external device 114, andmore particularly, movement of the external device 114 in response tomovement of the body in which the implantable device 104 is implanted orwhen the external device 114 is held or worn by the body (or otherwiseattached to the body). In accordance with this implementation, detectiondevice 206 can include, but is not limited to, an accelerometer, agyroscope, and/or a piezoelectric sensor (e.g., a piezoelectricdisplacement sensor, a piezoelectric velocity sensor or a piezoelectricpressure sensor).

In another implementation, detection device 206 is configured to detectmotion data associated with movement of the body in which theimplantable device 104 is implanted in embodiments in which the externaldevice 114 is not held or worn by the body (and not otherwise attachedto the body). In accordance with this implementation, detection device206 can include, but is not limited to, a camera, a laser, or anothersuitable motion detection device configured to capture informationregarding motion of the body when the body is located at a distance fromthe detection device 206.

In yet another implementation, detection device 206 is configured todetect audio signals associated with a sound generated within audiblerange of the external device 114. For example, the sound can include avoice of the body in which the implantable device 104 is implanted, asound emitted by the external device 114 (e.g., via a speaker (notshown) of the external device 114) or a sound made by another user,device or object within proximity of the external device 114. Inaccordance with this implementation, detection device 206 can include,but is not limited to, one or more analog acoustic sensors, one or moredigital acoustic sensors, and/or one or more motion sensors configuredto detect vibrations associated with sound (e.g., an accelerometer or apiezoelectric device).

The detection device 206 can be further configured to generateelectronic output data corresponding to the signal 204 detected by thedetection device 206. In some embodiments, the electronic output datacan include raw data corresponding to one or more parameters of thesignal 204, which can vary depending on the implementation of thedetection device 206. For example, in embodiments in which detectiondevice 206 includes an ECG, the raw data can include informationindicative of voltage variations associated with electrical impulsesgenerated by the polarization and depolarization of cardiac tissue overthe detection period. In another example, in embodiments in which thedetection device 206 includes an accelerometer, the raw data can includeinformation indicative of one or more changes in acceleration over thedetection period. In other embodiments, the electronic output data caninclude partially processed or processed raw data signals. For example,in embodiments in which the detection device 206 includes an ECG, anelectronic output representative of partially processed data can includea waveform corresponding to the electrical impulses generated by thepolarization and depolarization of cardiac tissue over the detectionperiod. The detection device 206 can further be configured to generatean electronic output based on additional processing of the raw detectedsignal 204. Continuing with the ECG example, the detection device 206can be configured to generate electronic output data identifying adetected heart rate based on the signal 204 detected by detection device206.

In various embodiments, the electronic output data provided by thedetection device 206 can be generated by circuitry designed to outputspecific types of information or electrical signals based on changes inmechanical, electrical or electromechanical features or components ofone or more sensors, devices or circuits that can be included in, orotherwise associated with, the detection device 206.

In various embodiments, communication device 214 facilitatescommunication between the external device 114 and another device (e.g.,implantable device 104 or another device). For example, communicationdevice 214 can include or be various hardware and software devicesassociated with establishing and/or conducting a telemetry sessionbetween the external device 114 and the implantable device 104.

Communication device 214 can be configured to communicate with anotherdevice using various wireless communication protocols. For example,communication device 214 can include a transmitter and/or receiverconfigured to transmit and/or receive electrical wireless signals. Asanother example, communication device 214 can be configured tocommunicate with another device using various wireless communicationprotocols including, but not limited to, NFC, BLUETOOTH® technology,ZigBee®, radio frequency (RF) communications, SIP-based communications,cellular communication, or other forms of communication including bothproprietary and non-proprietary communication protocols.

The authentication controller component 208 is configured to facilitatevarious operations of external device 114 in connection withfacilitating an authorized telemetry session between external device 114and implantable device 104 (or another external device). In variousembodiments, the authentication controller component 208 can includeanalysis component 210 and authorization component 212.

In association with systems 100, 200 and the first group of embodiments,the authentication controller component 208 can activate detectiondevice 206 in association with input received at the external device 114requesting establishment of a telemetry session between external device114 and implantable device 104 (or another external device). Accordingto this example, in response to receipt of the input, the authenticationcontroller component 208 can activate detection device 206 to cause thedetection device 206 to detect or measure a type of signal the detectiondevice 206 is configured to detect (e.g., an ECG based signal, a pulseoximeter based signal, an image data or video signal, an audio signal ora motion signal).

In another embodiment, in embodiments in which the detection device 206includes or employs hardware and/or software configured to detectseveral different types of signals, the authentication controllercomponent 208 can control the operation of the detection device 206 todetect a particular desired type of signal. The authenticationcontroller component 208 can also control the duration of the detectionperiod in some embodiments. By way of example, but not limitation, theauthentication controller component 208 can transmit a signal to thedetection device 206 that causes the detection device 206 to perform aparticular detection operation and/or causes the detection device 206 toperform detection for a defined period of time.

Depending on the type of signal the detection device 206 is configuredto detect, the authentication controller component 208 can also causeinformation to be output (e.g., via an audible signal or via a prompt ona user interface of the external device 114) from the external device114 to cause the body in which the implantable device 104 is implantedto perform a particular action (e.g., sing a song, speak a word or walkin place). For example, in association with activating the detectiondevice 206, the authentication controller component 208 can outputinformation to cause the body in which the implantable device 104 isimplanted to perform a particular physical action for the duration ofthe detection period to facilitate capturing distinct physiologicalreaction signals and/or motion signals (e.g., a heart rate resultantfrom the physical action, a ventilation rate resultant from the physicalaction or a detectable motion pattern).

The authentication controller component 208 can also facilitateinitializing an authentication process between external device 114 andimplantable device 104 based on concurrent detecting of signals 202 and204 by the external device 114 and the implantable device 104,respectively. For example, in some embodiments, detection device 216 ofthe implantable device 104 can be configured to detect signals such assignal 204. In other embodiments, the detection device 216 can beconfigured to react to a particular signal 204 and begin detecting for adefined detection period. Signal 204 can be detected concurrently withdetection of signal 202 in some embodiments. According to theseembodiments, the particular signal 202 and/or the period over which thesignal 202 is captured by the external device 114 can be controlled atthe external device 114 (e.g., by the authentication controllercomponent 208 and/or based on input received at the external device114). Signal 202 can then be correlated to a detected signal 204 (whichcan be received at the external device 114 from the implantable device104 in some embodiments).

In some embodiments, the authentication controller component 208 cantransmit (e.g., using communication device 214), a request message tothe implantable device 104 requesting performance of a concurrentsensing authentication process in association with authorizing and/orestablishing a telemetry session between the external device 114 and theimplantable device 104 (or another external device). For example, thisrequest message can be generated and sent in response to input receivedat the external device 114 requesting pairing between the implantabledevice 104 and the external device 114 (or another external device).

According to this embodiment, the communication device 214 can employ aparticular frequency (e.g., a non-commercial frequency) to send therequest message as an RF data signal that is recognizable by theimplantable device 104 as a request to pair with the implantable device104. In one implementation, in response to transmission of the RF datasignal by the external device 114 and reception and identification ofthe RF data signal by the implantable device 104 (e.g., via theauthentication controller component 218), the implantable device 104 andthe external device 114 can activate respective detection devices 206and 216 and begin detecting signals 202 and 204 over a defined detectionperiod. In some embodiments, the duration of the detection period and/orthe start time of the detection period can be included in the RF datasignal or defined in memory of the external device 114 and theimplantable device 104, respectively.

In another implementation, in response to transmission of the RFcommunication signal by the external device 114 and reception andidentification of the RF data signal by the implantable device 104, theimplantable device 104 can send an acknowledgment message (e.g., usingan RF data signal) back to the external device 114 acknowledging receiptof the request to perform the concurrent sensing. In an embodiment, inresponse to sending the acknowledgment message, the implantable device104 (e.g., via authentication controller component 218) can activatedetection device 216 to begin detecting for a defined detection period(e.g., for one minute after sending the acknowledgment message). Inaddition, in response to reception of the acknowledgment message by theexternal device 114 (e.g., via communication device 214), theauthentication controller component 208 can activate detection device206 to begin detecting for a defined detection period (e.g., for oneminute after reception).

In another embodiment, the defined detection period can be determinedand provided by the implantable device 104 in the acknowledgment message(e.g., via authentication controller component 218). For example, theacknowledgment message can state the detection period as being from timeT1 to time T2. Upon the occurrence of time T1 (e.g., which may be adefined start time within about one minute of sending the acknowledgmentmessage), both the external device 114 and the implantable device 104can begin detecting as directed by respective authentication controllercomponents 208 and 218, respectively.

A variety of other techniques can be employed to inform and direct theexternal device 114 and/or the implantable device 104 when to beginconcurrently detecting signals 202 and 204 in association with gatheringauthorization information to facilitate a telemetry session between therespective devices. For example, the respective detection devices 206and 216 can be configured to begin detecting for a defined detectionperiod in response to detection of a specific synchronization signal.According to this example, the synchronization signal can be provided bythe external device 114 to the implantable device 104, or vice versa, orthe synchronization signal can be provided by another device or entity.In another example, the respective detection devices 206 and 216 can beconfigured to begin detecting for a defined duration in response toconcurrent detection of one or more magnetic fields.

Analysis component 210 is configured to perform various analyticalfunctions of external device 114 in connection with facilitating anauthorized telemetry session between external device 114 and implantabledevice 104. In association with systems 100, 200 and the first group ofembodiments, the analysis component 210 is configured to perform variousanalytical functions associated with determining a degree of similarityor correlation between signals 202 and 204.

For example, in one embodiment, after or during concurrent detecting, ofsignals 202 and 204 by the external device 114 and the implantabledevice 104, respectively, the implantable device 104 is configured tocommunicate electronic information to the external device 114representative of signal 204 and that can identify the detection periodover which signal 204 was detected. According to this embodiment,analysis component 210 is configured to compare signals 202 and 204,and/or electronic information corresponding to signals 202 and 204 basedon association of signals 202 and 204 with the same detection period.For example, using the information representative of signal 204 and theinformation identifying the period over which signal 204 was detected,analysis component 210 can compare the information representative ofsignal 204 with information corresponding to detected signal 202. Theanalysis component 210 can further determine whether signals 202 and 204have a defined degree of similarity to, or correlation with, oneanother. For example, the analysis component 210 can determine whetherthe signals 202 and 204 have a defined degree of similarity/correlationthat is greater than or equal to a minimum degree ofsimilarity/correlation. The defined degree of similarity can varydepending on the implementation of system 200. For example, system 200can require signals 202 and 204 to have a 100% degree ofsimilarity/correlation, a 90% degree of similarity/correlation, a 60%degree of similarity/correlation, or any other degree ofsimilarity/correlation. In some embodiments, the required degree ofsimilarity/correlation can change from time to time or at scheduledtimes based on a change in the programming of the implantable device 104or the external device 114 and/or based on the type of signal detected,security risk, environment in which the detection is performed (e.g.,physician office versus home location) or any number of factors.

For example, in an embodiment, the information representative of signals202 and 204 employed by analysis component 210 to perform the comparisonincludes raw data associated with signals 202 and 204. For example,signal 204 can include data identifying voltage variations associatedwith electrical impulses in cardiac tissue. Signal 202 can includesimilar raw data or another form of raw data associated with a heartrhythm. Analysis component 210 can compare this raw data for signals 202and 204 to determine whether signals 202 and 204 have a defined degreeof similarity or correlation.

In yet another embodiment, analysis component 210 can process the rawdata of signals 202 and/or 204 to determine information corresponding tothe raw data signals (e.g., a heart rate, a ventilation rate, awaveform, an audio fingerprint of the waveform, a motion pattern or aparticular motion represented by the motion pattern). The analysiscomponent 210 can then analyze and compare the processed informationcorresponding to the raw data signals 202 and 204 to determine whetherthe processed information for signals 202 and 204 have a defined degreeof similarity or correlation.

In various embodiments, implantable device 104 can receive signal 202.Analysis component 220 can process raw data of signals 202 and 204and/or signals 202 and 204, analyze the raw data or signals or performany number of functions to determine whether the raw data of signals 202and 202 and/or signals 202 and 204 have a defined degree of similarityor correlation.

Authorization component 212 is configured to perform various operationsof external device 114 in connection with facilitating an authorizedtelemetry session between external device 114 and implantable device104. In association with systems 100, 200 and the first group ofembodiments, authorization component 212 is configured to initiate,conduct or otherwise approve/enable a telemetry session with theimplantable device 104 in response to a determination that signals 202and 204 exhibit a defined degree of similarity or correlation (e.g., asdetermined by analysis component 210 and/or analysis component 220).

For example, in various embodiments wherein comparative analysis ofsignals 202 and 204 is performed by analysis component 210, in responseto a determination that signals 202 and 204 (or electronic informationrepresentative of signals 202 and 204) exhibit a defined degree ofsimilarity or correlation, authorization component 212 can send anauthorization communication to the implantable device 104 indicatingthat the external device 114 has authorized the requested telemetrysession. In response to reception of the authorization communication,authorization component 212 and/or authorization component 222 canfacilitate the exchange of security information between the implantabledevice 104 and the external device 114 in association with establishingthe authorized telemetry session. For example, communication devices 224and 214 can exchange security information (e.g., device identifiers forthe external device 114 and the implantable device 104) and/or sessionkeys in accordance with suitable existing pairing technology. In anembodiment, the session keys can be set to expire after a definedduration of time.

The authentication controller component 208, analysis component 210and/or authorization component 212 can be further configured tofacilitate various additional operations of external device 114 inconnection with facilitating an authorized telemetry session betweenexternal device 114 and implantable device 104 (or another externaldevice) based on several additional mechanisms discussed herein withrespect to second, third and fourth groups of embodiments of system 100,discussed infra. The various additional features and functionalities ofthe authorization component 212 with respect to the second, third, andfourth groups of embodiments of system 100 are discussed in greaterdetail with respect to FIGS. 7, 13, 17 and 18.

In various embodiments, implantable device 104 can include a detectiondevice 216, a communication device 224, and an authentication controllercomponent 218 having an analysis component 220 and an authorizationcomponent 222.

Communication device 224 can include one or more of the structure,features and/or functionalities of communication device 214. Forexample, communication device 224 can include a transmitter and/orreceiver configured to transmit and/or receive electrical wirelesssignals. As another example, communication device 224 can be configuredto communicate with another device using various wireless communicationprotocols including, but not limited to, NFC, BLUETOOTH® technology, RFcommunications, SIP-based communications, cellular communication, orother forms of communication including both proprietary andnon-proprietary communication protocols.

In association with FIG. 2 and system 200, the operations of detectiondevice 216, authentication controller component 218, analysis component220, and authorization component 222, are described with respect totheir roles at implantable device 104 in connection with the first groupof embodiments of system 100 (e.g., in connection with facilitating anauthorized telemetry session between external device 114 and implantabledevice 104 (or another external device) based on concurrent detection ofsignals 202 and 204 by the external device 114 and the implantabledevice, respectively). However, similar to their correspondingcomponents in external device 114, detection device 216, authenticationcontroller component 218, analysis component 220, and authorizationcomponent 222, can be further configured to facilitate variousadditional operations of implantable device 104 in connection withfacilitating an authorized telemetry session between implantable device104 and external device 114 (or another external device), based onseveral additional mechanisms discussed herein with respect to second,third and fourth groups of embodiments of system 100, discussed infra.The various additional features and functionalities of detection device216, authentication controller component 218, analysis component 220,and authorization component 222, with respect to the second, third, andfourth groups of embodiments of system 100 are discussed in greaterdetail with respect to FIGS. 7, 13, 14, 17 and 19.

Detection device 216 can include one or more of the structure, featuresand/or functionalities of detection device 206. For example, detectiondevice 216 can include an ECG device, a pulse oximeter device, volumedisplacement spirometers, pressure-drop pneumotachometers, motiondetection devices, acoustic sensors, etc. However, it should beappreciated that certain detection devices and circuitry that can beincluded in detection device 206 may not be suitable for inclusion inimplantable device 104. For example, detection device 216 may notinclude a video camera, or camera configured to capture and processchanges in facial absorbance properties. In addition, the specificstructure and electrical/mechanical configuration of sensors, devicesand associated circuitry configured to detect the same signals (e.g., anECG device or a pulse oximeter device) with the external device 114 andthe implantable device 104 can vary. For example, an ECG deviceconfigured to be included with an implantable device 104 and implantedinside the body may have a different structure and electrical/mechanicalconfiguration than another ECG device configured to be included withand/or employed by (e.g., as an auxiliary device) external device 114.

Authentication controller component 218, analysis component 220,authorization component 222, can also include one or more of thestructure, features and functionalities of authentication controllercomponent 208, analysis component 210, and authorization component 212,respectively. For example, authentication controller component 218 isconfigured to facilitate various operations of implantable device 104 inconnection with facilitating an authorized telemetry session between theimplantable device 104 and external device 114 (or another externaldevice) based on concurrent detection of signals 202 and 204 by theexternal device 114 and the implantable device 104, respectively (i.e.,the authentication mechanism described for system 200 and the firstgroup of embodiments of system 100). In an embodiment, authenticationcontroller component 218 can facilitate concurrent detecting by theexternal device 114 and the implantable device 104 for a defineddetection period in accordance with one or more embodiments describedfor the authentication controller component 208.

For example, authentication controller component 218 can receive arequest message from external device 114 that indicates the externaldevice 114 is requesting performance of a concurrent detectingauthentication process to initiate a telemetry session between theexternal device 114 and the implantable device 104 (or between theimplantable device 104 and another external device). In response to therequest, authentication controller component 218 can control detectiondevice 216 to capture signal 204 over a defined detection period.Authentication controller component 218 can also send an acknowledgementmessage back to the external device 114 to facilitate concurrentdetecting of the external device 114 and the implantable device 104, asdescribed in association with the description of the authenticationcontroller component 208.

With respect to the embodiments described for system 200, analysiscomponent 220 can include one or more of the same or similar structure,features and/or functionalities as analysis component 210. For example,like analysis component 210, analysis component 220 can compare signals202 and 204, and/or electronic information corresponding to the raw dataof signals 202 and 204 and/or processed information corresponding tosignals 202 and 204 to determine a degree of similarity to, orcorrelation between, signals 202 and 204. Analysis component 220 canalso process the raw data of signals 202 and/or 204 to determineinformation corresponding to the raw data signals (e.g., a heart rate, aventilation rate, a waveform, an audio fingerprint of the waveform, amotion pattern or a particular motion represented by the motionpattern).

Analysis component 210 and analysis component 220 are respectivelypresented with dashed line boxes to indicate that they can be includedor excluded from the authentication controller components 208 and 218,respectively, based on the particular embodiment of system 200. Forexample, as discussed supra, in one embodiment, after concurrentdetecting of signals 202 and 204 by the external device 114 and theimplantable device 104, respectively, the external device 114 isconfigured to communicate electronic information to the implantabledevice 104 representative of signal 202. In some embodiments, theelectronic information can also identify the detection period over whichsignal 202 was detected. According to this embodiment, the implantabledevice 104 can employ analysis component 220 to compare the receivedelectronic information representative of signal 202 with electronicinformation representative of signal 204 based on association withsignals 202 and 204 with the same detection period. Based on thecomparison, the analysis component 220 is configured to determine adegree of similarity or correlation between signal 202 and signal 204.Because the analysis is being performed by the implantable device 104 inthis embodiment, analysis component 210 need not be included in theexternal device 114.

In another embodiment, after concurrent detecting of signals 202 and 204by the external device 114 and the implantable device 104, respectively,the implantable device 104 is configured to communicate electronicinformation to the external device 114 representative of signal 204 andthat can identify the detection period over which signal 204 wasdetected. According to this embodiment, the external device 114 canemploy analysis component 210 to compare the received electronicinformation representative of signal 204 with electronic informationrepresentative of signal 202 based on association with signals 202 and204 with the same detection period. Based on the comparison, theanalysis component 210 is configured to determine a degree of similarityor correlation between signal 202 and signal 204. Because the analysisis being performed by the external device 114 in this embodiment,analysis component 220 need not be included in the implantable device104.

Similar to the authorization component 212, the authorization component222 is configured to perform various operations of implantable device104 in connection with facilitating an authorized telemetry sessionbetween external device 114 and implantable device 104. For example, inassociation with systems 100, 200 and the first group of embodiments,authorization component 222 is configured to initiate, conduct orotherwise approve/enable a telemetry session with the external device114 (or another external device) in response to a determination thatsignals 202 and 204 exhibit a defined degree of similarity orcorrelation (e.g., as determined by analysis component 210 and/oranalysis component 220).

FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 illustrate flow diagrams of example, non-limitingmethods for facilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable deviceand an external device based on concurrent detection, by the implantabledevice and the external device, of signals associated with a body of apatient in which the implantable device is implanted in accordance withthe first group of embodiments of system 100 described herein. Themethods 300, 400, 500, 600 are described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2in which the implantable device (e.g., implantable device 104) isembodied in methods 300, 400, 500, 600 as an IMD. Repetitive descriptionof like elements employed in other embodiments described herein isomitted for sake of brevity.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method 300facilitating authorized telemetry with an IMD and an external devicebased on concurrent detection, by the IMD and the external device, ofinformation associated with a heart rhythm of a body of a patient inwhich the IMD is implanted in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

At 302, an external device (e.g., external device 114), measures, over adefined detection period, first information associated with a heartrhythm of a patient wearing an IMD. For example, the external device canactivate a camera of the external device and capture image data ofindicative of a change in blood color over a defined duration of time inresponse to placement of a part of a body of the patient (e.g., thepatient's finger) over a lens of the camera. As described herein, apatient wearing an IMD can be a patient in which a IMD is implanted, forexample. The external device 114 can determine the heart rate of thepatient based on the change in blood color. At 304, the IMD measures,over the defined detection period, second information associated withthe heart rhythm of the patient wearing the IMD. For example, the IMDcan activate an ECG device or a pulse oximeter to capture signals (e.g.,electrical activity of the heart, or change in blood oxygenation levels,respectively) that can be correlated to the heart rate of the body ofthe patient.

The external device can send the first information to the IMD or the IMDcan send the second information to the external device. In someembodiments, in lieu of or in addition to the external device sendingfirst information to the IMD or the IMD sending second information tothe external device, a tertiary device can receive both the firstinformation and the second information.

In any embodiment, at 306, the device having the first and secondinformation can compare the first and second information. The first andsecond information is analyzed to determine a degree of similarity orcorrelation between the first and second information. The degree ofsimilarity can be compared to a defined degree of similarity todetermine whether a particular correlation exists. For example, thedefined degree of similarity at which a correlation can be determined tohave occurred can be approximately 100% (e.g., both heart ratemeasurements are approximately the same) or approximately 50% (e.g.,half of the heart rate measurements are approximately the same). Inanother example, the defined degree of similarity at which a correlationcan be determined to have occurred can accommodate a slight variation inthe first and second information (e.g., both heart rate measurementsdiffer by less than 10%).

In response to a determination that the first and second informationhave the defined degree of similarity or correlation, at 308 the IMDand/or the external device can initiate a telemetry session with oneanother. Although not shown, in some embodiments, in response to adetermination that the first and second information have the defineddegree of similarity or correlation, at 308 the IMD and/or the externaldevice can continue an ongoing telemetry session with one another. Inresponse to a determination that the first and second information failto exhibit the defined degree of similarity or correlation, at 310 theIMD and/or the external device can forgo a telemetry session.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method 400facilitating authorized telemetry with an IMD and an external devicebased on concurrent detection, by the IMD and the external device, ofinformation associated with respiration of a body of a patient in whichan IMD is implanted in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

At 402, an external device (e.g., external device 114) measures, over adefined detection period, first information associated with respirationof a patient wearing an IMD. For example, the external device can detectaudio signals associated with breathing of the patient via a microphoneof the external device. The external device 114 can further correlatethe audio signals with the ventilation rate of the patient. At 404, theIMD measures, over the defined detection period, second informationassociated with the respiration of the patient wearing the IMD. Forexample, the IMD can detect signals associated with electrical impedanceof the patient's thorax (e.g., pneumography data). The IMD can furthercorrelate the electrical impedance signals with the ventilation rate.

The external device can send the first information to the IMD or the IMDcan send the second information to the external device. In someembodiments, in lieu of or in addition to the external device sendingfirst information to the IMD or the IMD sending second information tothe external device, a tertiary device can receive both the firstinformation and the second information.

In either embodiment, the device having the first and second informationcan compare the first and second information at 406. For example, thefirst and second information is analyzed to determine a degree ofsimilarity or correlation between the first and second information. Forexample, the IMD, external device and/or tertiary device can compare theventilation rates determined by the IMD and external device over thesame detection period. Based on the comparison, a determination can bemade as to whether the first and second information (e.g., therespective ventilation rate measurements) exhibit a defined degree ofsimilarity or correlation (e.g., whether the ventilation rates are thesame or substantially the same). In response to a determination that thefirst and second information have the defined degree of similarity orcorrelation, at 408 the IMD and/or the external device can initiate atelemetry session with one another. In response to a determination thatthe first and second information fail to exhibit the defined degree ofsimilarity or correlation, at 410 the IMD and/or the external device canforgo a telemetry session.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method 500facilitating authorized telemetry with an IMD and an external devicebased on concurrent detection, by the IMD and the external device, ofinformation associated with a sound made by a body of a patient in whichan IMD is implanted in accordance with one or more embodiments describedherein.

At 502, an external device (e.g., external device 114) measures, over adefined detection period, first information associated with a sound madeby a patient wearing an IMD. For example, the external device can detect(e.g., via a microphone) audio signals corresponding to a word or phrasespoken by the patient. At 504, the IMD measures, over the defineddetection period, second information associated with the sound made bythe patient wearing the IMD. For example, the IMD can detect (e.g., viaacoustic and/or vibration sensors) audio signals and/or vibrationresonating within the body and associated with the word or phrase spokenby the patient.

The external device can send the first information to the IMD or the IMDcan send the second information to the external device. In someembodiments, in lieu of or in addition to the external device sendingfirst information to the IMD or the IMD sending second information tothe external device, a tertiary device can receive both the firstinformation and the second information.

The device having the first and second information (e.g., IMD, externaldevice or tertiary device) can compare the first and second informationat 506. For example, the first and second information can be comparedand analyzed to determine a degree of similarity or correlation betweenthe first and second information. For example, the IMD or the externaldevice can compare the audio signals captured by the respective devices.

Based on the comparison, a determination can be made as to whether thefirst and second information (e.g., the respective audio signals)exhibit a defined degree of similarity or correlation (e.g., whether theaudio signals are the same or substantially the same or whether theaudio signals correlate with one another). In response to adetermination that the first and second information have the defineddegree of similarity or correlation, at 508 the IMD and/or the externaldevice can initiate a telemetry session with one another. In response toa determination that the first and second information fail to exhibitthe defined degree of similarity or correlation, at 510 the IMD and/orthe external device can forgo a telemetry session.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method 600facilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device and anexternal device based on concurrent detection, by the IMD and theexternal device, of information associated with movement of a body of apatient in which the IMD is implanted in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity.

At 602, an external device (e.g., external device 114), measures, over adefined detection period, first information associated with movement ofthe patient wearing the IMD. For example, the external device can detectand capture motion signals corresponding to motion performed by the bodyof the patient using one or more motion sensors at the external device(e.g., via an accelerometer or piezoelectric device). In someembodiments, the particular motion can vary from time to time as theexternal device requests to pair with the IMD.

At 604, the IMD measures, over the defined detection period, secondinformation associated with the movement of the patient wearing the IMD.For example, the IMD can also detect and capture motion signalscorresponding to the motion performed by the using one or more motionssensors of the IMD.

The external device can send the first information to the IMD or the IMDcan send the second information to the external device. In someembodiments, in lieu of or in addition to the external device sendingfirst information to the IMD or the IMD sending second information tothe external device, a tertiary device can receive both the firstinformation and the second information.

The device having the first or second information can compare the firstand second information at 606. For example, the first and secondinformation can be compared and analyzed to determine a degree ofsimilarity or correlation between the first and second information. Forexample, the IMD or the external device can compare the respectivemotion signals captured by the respective devices. Based on thecomparison, the IMD or the external device can determine whether thefirst and second information (e.g., the respective motion signals)exhibit a defined degree of similarity or correlation. In response to adetermination that the first and second information have the defineddegree of similarity or correlation, at 608 the IMD and/or the externaldevice can initiate a telemetry session with one another. In response toa determination that the first and second information fail to exhibitthe defined degree of similarity or correlation, at 610 the IMD and/orthe external device can forgo a telemetry session.

With reference back to FIG. 1, a second group of embodiments of system100 is described in connection with authorizing telemetry between theimplantable device 104 and the external device 114 based on generationof a unique signal by the body in which the implantable device 104 isimplanted. Similar to the first group of embodiments, the unique signalor signals can be based on a physiological state of the body 102 inwhich the implantable device 104 is implanted, a motion of the body 102in which the implantable device 104 is implanted, and/or a sound made bythe body 102 in which the implantable device 104 is implanted.

Unlike the first group of embodiments, the signals generated by on thebody 102 in which the implantable device 104 is implanted may not becompared to concurrently detected corresponding signals by the externaldevice 114. To the contrary, the signals can be compared to unique keysor passwords that are employed to determine whether to authorize and/orinitiate a telemetry session between the implantable device 104 and theexternal device 114. In particular, the body 102 in which theimplantable device 104 is implanted can select or be assigned a specificaction to perform. The performance of the action can cause a signal tobe generated. The signal can be associated with or described in terms ofparticular physiological actions, motion actions and/or soundsdetectable by the implantable device 104. Reference information definingor identifying the particular physiological, motion and/or sound signalsassociated with the specific action can be stored in the memory of (orotherwise accessible by) the implantable device 104. In someembodiments, the implantable device 104 can access the referenceinformation by accessing a database or repository of information storedat a location on a communication network to which the implantable device104 can be communicatively coupled.

For example, in embodiments in which the implantable device 104 detectsone or more physiological, motion, and/or sound signals in response toperformance of a particular action by the body in which the implantabledevice 104 is implanted, the implantable device 104 can compare thedetected signals with the reference information to determine whether thedetected signals correspond to, or substantially correspond to, thereference information. In response to a determination that the detectedsignals correspond to the reference information, the implantable device104 can identify a device associated with the reference information withwhich the implantable device 104 is configured to initiate or conduct atelemetry session. The implantable device 104 can initiate and/orconduct an authorized telemetry session with the external device 114.

In some embodiments, the implantable device 104 can also retrieve oraccess additional information associated with the reference informationand/or the external device 114 that can be used by the implantabledevice 104 to initiate and/or establish the telemetry session with theexternal device 114. For example, this additional information caninclude, but is not limited to, an identifier for the external device114, an access key, a session key, and/or protocol defining authorizeddata exchange between the implantable device 104 and the external device114.

In an embodiment, the body in which the implantable device 104 isimplanted can perform a physical action that is correlated to a specificphysiological reaction of the body 102 in which the implantable device104 is implanted (e.g., a rise in heart rate, a particular heart rateabove a threshold heart rate or a particular ventilation rate). Forexample, the action can include jumping, sitting, running and/orsquatting. According to this example, in response to a determinationthat the heart rate and/or change in heart rate corresponds toauthorization data representative of a reference heart rate or areference change in heart, the implantable device 104 can authorizeand/or initiate a telemetry session with a device associated with theauthorization data (e.g., the external device 114).

In another example, the action can include holding of breath by the body102 in which the implantable device 104 is implanted for a definedduration of time. According to this example, the implantable device 104can detect that the breath has been held for a defined duration of time.In response to a determination that signals associated with ventilationin the body 102 (e.g., no or low ventilation for a defined period oftime) correspond to authorization data representative of referenceventilation data (e.g., no or low ventilation for the defined period oftime), the implantable device 104 can authorize and/or initiate atelemetry session with a device associated with the authorization data(e.g., the external device 114).

In yet another embodiment, the body in which the implantable device 104is implanted can generate a particular sound (e.g., a spoken word, aspoken phrase, a hum, a melody or a song) that is correlated to aspecific audio signal pattern and/or vibration pattern detectable by theimplantable device 104 (e.g., via one or more acoustic or vibrationsensors). According to this embodiment, in response to a determinationthat the detected sound and/or vibration signal corresponds toauthorization data representative of a reference sound and/or vibrationsignal (e.g., a sound wave pattern or a motion pattern), the implantabledevice 104 can authorize and/or initiate a telemetry session with adevice (e.g., the external device 114) associated with the authorizationdata.

Still in yet another embodiment, the body in which the implantabledevice 104 is implanted can generate a combination of specificphysiological, motion and/or audio signals based on a combination ofphysiological, motion and/or speech actions. For example, the body inwhich the implantable device 104 is implanted can perform an action thatincludes a jumping jack followed by speaking the words “activate myIMD.” The implantable device 104 can be configured to detect the uniquecombination of physiological (e.g., rise in heart rate), motion (e.g.,jumping jack motion), and audio signals (e.g., sound waves correspondingto the spoken words) associated with the action using various sensorsand associated circuitry and compare the detected signal combination toreference authorization data corresponding to the signal combination.Similar to the embodiments described above, in response to adetermination that a detected signal combination corresponds toauthorization data representative of a reference signal combination, theimplantable device 104 can authorize and/or initiate a telemetry sessionwith a device (e.g., the external device 114) associated with theauthorization data.

A third group of embodiments of system 100 is described in connectionwith authorizing telemetry between the implantable device 104 and theexternal device 114 based on a unique authentication signal that isgenerated by the external device 114 and detected by the implantabledevice 104 in embodiments in which the implantable device 104 is locatedwithin relatively close proximity to the external device 114. The uniqueauthentication signal can embody a unique password or key provided bythe external device 114 to authorize and/or establish a telemetrysession between the implantable device 104 and the external device 114(or between the implantable device 104 and another external device). Forexample, the unique authentication signal can correspond to a uniqueaudio signal, a unique light signal, or a unique radio frequency (RF)signal. The external device 114 can generate the unique authenticationsignal based on information stored in memory of the external device 114,or accessible to the external device 114 via a network, that defines theunique authentication signal and/or provides computer readableinstructions regarding how to command hardware of (or a componentaccessible to) the external device 114 to generate the uniqueauthentication signal.

The implantable device 104 is configured to detect the uniqueauthentication signal and compare it to reference authenticationinformation that can identify the unique authentication signal. Thereference authentication information can be stored in memory of theimplantable device 104 or accessible to the implantable device 104 via anetwork. In response to a determination that the detected authenticationsignal corresponds to, or substantially corresponds to, the referenceauthentication information, the implantable device 104 can authorizeand/or initiate a telemetry session between the implantable device 104and the external device 114 (or between the implantable device 104 andanother external device). Likewise, in response to a determination thatthe detected authentication signal fails to correspond to, orsubstantially correspond to, the reference authentication information,the implantable device 104 can forgo a telemetry session between theimplantable device 104 and the external device 114 (or between theimplantable device 104 and the external device 114).

In an embodiment, the unique authentication signal used to facilitateauthorizing a telemetry session with the implantable device 104 includesa unique audio signal generated by the external device 114. For example,the unique audio signal can include an audio signal indicative of aringtone, a song, a melody, a recorded voice, etc. For instance, a userof the external device 114 (or the external device itself 114) canselect, designate or otherwise be assigned a unique audio signal thatserves as key to gain access to an implantable device 104. The externaldevice 114 can also store a unique audio signal selected by the user ofthe external device 114.

In this embodiment, the external device 114 can include a speaker and/oran audio player configured to emit the unique audio signal. Inembodiments in which the implantable device 104 is located withinrelatively close proximity to the external device 114 (e.g., withinrange to detect an audible signal from the external device 114), theimplantable device 104 can detect the unique audio signal using one ormore analog or digital acoustic sensors (e.g., a microphone). Theimplantable device 104 can compare the detected audio signal toreference information defining one or more characteristics of areference audio authentication signal (e.g., a reference audiofingerprint or a reference waveform). The reference information can bestored in memory of the implantable device 104 or accessible to theimplantable device 104 via a network. The implantable device 104 isfurther configured to determine a degree of similarity between thedetected audio signal and the reference information. In response to adetermination that the detected audio signal has a defined degree ofsimilarity to the reference information, the implantable device 104 canauthorize a telemetry session with the external device 114 (or anotherexternal device).

In another embodiment, the unique authentication signal used tofacilitate authorizing a telemetry session with an implantable device104 includes a unique light signal generated by the external device 114.For example, the unique light signal can include or be light of aspecific wavelength. In another example, the specific light signal cancorrespond to a light pattern that includes two or more variations inlight behaviors or characteristics over a defined duration of time.These light behaviors or characteristics can include, but are notlimited to, light on and light off patterns (e.g., pulsation) and lightintensity. For example, a unique light pattern can include a combinationof successive permutations of light on- and light off-patterns. Thedurations of time that the light is on or off in association with thelight pulsation pattern can change or vary and/or can change from timeto time to create a number of possibilities for unique light patterns.In addition to a unique pulsation pattern, a unique light pattern canalso include variances in light color/wavelength and/or intensity fordifferent light signals.

A unique light signal can also include overlapping or simultaneousemission of two or more light colors. For example, the external device114 can include a light emitting diode (LED) panel that includes aplurality of LEDs, such as an LED panel associated with a display screenof the external device 114. The external device 114 can further causethe LEDs to emit different light colors at the same time or at differenttimes in accordance with a unique light pattern.

In this embodiment, the external device 114 can include a light sourceconfigured to generate the unique light signal corresponding to a uniqueauthentication signal (e.g., one or more LEDs, an LED panel or one ormore organic LEDs). For example, in embodiments in which the externaldevice 114 is a smart phone or tablet that includes a display screenand/or a camera with an apparatus configured to emit a flash, thedisplay screen and/or light source can be employed to provide the lightsignal of the external device 114.

In some embodiments, the implantable device 104 can include one or morephotodiodes configured to detect and/or interpret the unique lightsignal. In an embodiment, during generation of the unique light signal,the light source of the external device 114 can be placed against or inclose proximity to the area of the body 102 in which the implantabledevice 104 is located to facilitate detection of the light signal by theimplantable device 104. In another embodiment, the light source of theexternal device 114 can be aimed towards the implantable device 104while being distanced away from the body 102 within a maximum detectabledistance range (e.g., about 1.0 meter) from the body 102.

The implantable device 104 can compare the detected light signal toreference information defining one or more characteristics of areference light authentication signal stored in memory of theimplantable device 104 or accessible to the implantable device via anetwork. The implantable device 104 can further determine a degree ofsimilarity between the detected light signal and the reference lightauthentication signal. In response to a determination that the detectedlight signal has a defined degree of similarity with the reference lightauthentication signal, the implantable device 104 can authorize atelemetry session with the external device 114 (or between theimplantable device 104 and another external device). In response to adetermination that the detected light signal fails to have the defineddegree of similarity with the reference light authentication signal, theimplantable device 104 can forgo a telemetry session with the externaldevice 114 (or between the implantable device 104 and another externaldevice).

In another embodiment, the unique authentication signal used tofacilitate authorizing a telemetry session with the implantable device104 includes a unique RF signal, such as an RF burst, generated by theexternal device 114. RF is a rate of oscillation in the range of around3 kHz to 300 GHz. RF currents applied to the body 102 do not cause thepainful sensation of electric shock as do lower frequency currents. Aunique RF signal can correspond to a signature RF pattern that isdefined by one or more variable RF signal components including, but notlimited to, frequency, bandwidth, signal duration, and/or modulation.For example, a unique RF signal can include a unique pulsed RF waveformor series of waveforms characterized by a particular pulse width orvariation in pulse width. In another example, a unique RF signal caninclude a particular bandwidth or variation in bandwidth over a definedemission period (typically hundreds of microseconds to a fewmilliseconds long). The unique RF signal can further includecharacteristics that are distinguishable by the implantable device 104from RF signals carrying information.

According to this embodiment, the external device 114 can include an RFtransmitter and associated circuitry to generate the unique RF signal.Likewise, the implantable device 104 can include an RF receiver andassociated circuitry configured to receive and process the RF signal toidentify distinguishing characteristics of the RF signal (e.g., asignature pattern in the RF signal). The implantable device 104 canfurther compare the detected RF authentication signal to informationdefining characteristics of a reference RF authentication signal anddetermine a degree of similarity between the detected RF authenticationsignal and the reference RF authentication signal. In response to adetermination that the respective signals exhibit a threshold degree ofsimilarity, the implantable device 104 can authorize telemetry betweenthe implantable device 104 and the external device 114 (or anotherexternal device). In response to a determination that the respectivesignals fail to exhibit a threshold degree of similarity, theimplantable device 104 can forgo authorization of telemetry between theimplantable device 104 and the external device 114 (or another externaldevice).

In another embodiment, the unique signal can include human tapping of aunique tapping pattern applied to the body 102 in which the implantabledevice 104 is implanted. According to this embodiment, the implantabledevice 104 can employ one or more sensors to detect the tapping patternon the body 102. The implantable device 104 can further compare thetapping pattern with a reference motion or vibration pattern. Theimplantable device 104 can authorize and/or initiate a telemetry sessionwith the external device 114 in response to a determination that thedetected tapping pattern has a defined degree of similarity with thereference pattern.

In various embodiments, aside from employing a unique RF transmission asa password or secret key that is used by the implantable device 104 toauthorize telemetry between the implantable device 104 and the externaldevice 114 (or another device), external device 114 can use adistinguishing RF transmission to activate a “pairing mode” ofimplantable device 104. For example, rather than performing continuousor continual detecting in association with receiving and interpreting aunique authentication signal (e.g., a unique motion-based signal, aunique audio signal, a unique light signal or a unique RF signal), thatis used by the implantable device 104 to authorize a telemetry session,the implantable device can be configured to perform the appropriatedetecting when in a pairing mode. According to this example, theimplantable device 104 can enter pairing mode in response to aparticular trigger signal and activate the sensors of the implantabledevice 104, sensory circuitry and/or detection device. The implantabledevice 104 can further be configured to remain in pairing mode for adefined window of time and/or until a unique authorization signal isdetected.

In one embodiment, the trigger signal that causes the implantable device104 to enter pairing mode is a distinguishable RF signal. For example,the external device 114 can transmit an RF signal of a specificfrequency or duration (e.g., non-commercial frequency such as 400Megahertz (MHz)) that serves as a pairing mode activation signal. Theimplantable device 104 can be further configured to detect, such as viaan RF antenna, and interpret the pairing mode activation signal. Inresponse to detection of the pairing mode activation signal, theimplantable device 104 can enter pairing mode. For example, activationof pairing mode can include the activation of commercial RF signaldetection by the antenna and associated circuitry or another antenna andassociated circuitry of the implantable device 104.

A fourth group of embodiments of system 100 is described in connectionwith authorizing telemetry between the implantable device 104 and theexternal device 114 based on security information, received or capturedat the external device 114 and transmitted to the implantable device104. Similar to the second and third groups of embodiments, the securityinformation can embody a unique password or key that can be provided bythe external device 114 to the implantable device 104 to authorize andestablish a telemetry session between the implantable device 104 and theexternal device 114 (or between the implantable device 104 and anotherexternal device).

In one embodiment, the security information can include image data of aunique physical feature of the body 102 in which the implantable device104 is located. For example, using a camera or scanner of the externaldevice 114, the external device 114 can capture biometric image data ofthe body 102 in which the implantable device 104 is located. Thisbiometric image data can include, but is not limited to, informationrepresentative of image data of the face associated with the body 102,information representative of an iris of an eye of the body 102, and/orinformation representative of a fingerprint associated with the body102. In another example, the image data can include informationrepresentative of a unique tattoo on the skin of the body 102. Inanother example, the image data can include information representativeof a particular part of the body 102 (e.g., foot or palm). In anotherexample, the image data can include information representative of aparticular hand symbol (e.g., a peace sign or a sign language symbol).

After or during reception of the image data, the implantable device 104can compare the received image data to reference image data stored inmemory of the implantable device 104 or accessible to the implantabledevice 104 via a network. In response to a determination that thereceived image data corresponds to, or substantially corresponds to, thereference image data, the implantable device 104 can authorize and/orestablish a telemetry session with the external device 114 (or betweenthe implantable device 104 and another external device).

In some embodiments, the external device 114 can be configured to attacha time stamp to the captured image data corresponding to the time whenthe image data was captured. The implantable device 104 can further beconfigured to authorize and/or establish a telemetry session with theexternal device 114 (or another external device) in response to adetermination of correspondence between the received image data and thereference image data, and in response to the time stamp associated withthe image data being within a defined window of time (e.g., within thepast one minute, within the past five minutes or within the past 10minutes) relative to the point in time at which the image data wasreceived by the implantable device 104. By restricting telemetryauthorization to image data associated with a recent time stamp, system100 can minimize the ability for a hijacking external device to re-useoutdated image data, thus adding an element of security to system 100.

In another embodiment, security information can include security data(e.g., unique identifier) captured by the implantable device 104 from amicrochip implanted within the body 102 in which the implantable device104 is located. According to this embodiment, the external device 114can include a scanner configured to read the security data from themicrochip when the external device 114 is located within close proximityto the implanted microchip. The external device 114 can further providethe security data to the implantable device 104. In response toreception of the security data, the implantable device 104 can comparethe security data to reference security data stored in the memory of theimplantable device 104 or accessible to the implantable device 104 via anetwork. In response to a determination that the received security datacorresponds to, or substantially corresponds to, the reference securitydata, the implantable device 104 can authorize and/or establish atelemetry session with the external device 114 (or another externaldevice).

Still in yet another embodiment, the security information can include apassword input to the external device 114. In some embodiments, thepassword can be input by the user of the external device 114 (e.g., viaa keypad, touch screen or a voice detection device). In someembodiments, the password can be or be included in electronicinformation received at the external device 114 from another externaldevice over a wired or wireless communication channel.

According to these embodiments, the external device 114 can provide thepassword to the implantable device 104 and the implantable device 104can compare the password to a reference password stored in memory of theimplantable device 104 or accessible to the implantable device 104 via anetwork. In response to a determination that the received passwordcorresponds to, or substantially corresponds to, the reference password,the implantable device 104 can authorize and/or establish a telemetrysession with the external device 114 (or between the implantable device104 and another external device).

FIG. 7 illustrates a block diagram of a non-limiting system 700facilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device based oncomparison of a signal or security information, received by theimplantable device, to reference information corresponding to the signalor security information in accordance with the second, third and fourthgroups of embodiments of system 100. Although not shown, it is to beappreciated that the implantable device 104 is implanted within a bodyof a living being. For exemplary purposes, system 700 is described withthe assumption that the implantable device 104 is implanted within ahuman being. In other embodiments, the implantable device 104 can beimplanted within any other living being, such as an animal, for example.

Similar to system 100 and system 200, system 700 includes externaldevice 114 and implantable device 104. In accordance with system 700,the external device 114 and the implantable device 104 can include oneor more of the same or similar components as previously described withrespect to system 200 and/or system 100. However, in variousembodiments, as described below, one or more of signal 701 can beutilized in system 700, signal 702 can be utilized in system 700 and/orsecurity information data packet 703 can be utilized in system 700.

In various implementations associated with system 700 and the second,third and fourth groups of embodiments, these components can include oneor more of the structures, features and/or functionalities previouslydescribed. Repetitive description of like elements employed in otherembodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity. In someimplementations associated with system 700 and the second, third andfourth groups of embodiments of system 100, various components caninclude alternative or additional structures, features, andfunctionalities, which are described infra where applicable inassociation with the following description of system 700.

System 700 depicts implantable device 104 receiving one or more signalsand/or information, including signal 701, signal 702 and securityinformation data packet 703. Signal 701 is or includes a unique signaltransmitted from the external device 114 to the implantable device 104to facilitate authorization of telemetry, by the implantable device 104,between the implantable device and the external device (or between theimplantable device 104 and another external device). Signal 702 caninclude the unique signal described with reference to the second groupof embodiments for FIG. 1. For example, in some embodiments, signal 701can be based on a physiological state/function of the body 102 in whichthe implantable device 104 is located, a motion of the body 102 in whichthe implantable device 104 is located, and/or a sound made by the bodyin which the implantable device 104 is implanted. In some embodiments,signal 701 can be based a combination of two or more of: a physiologicalstate/function of the body 102 in which the implantable device 104 islocated, a motion of the body 102 in which the implantable device 104 islocated, and/or a sound made by the body in which the implantable device104 is implanted.

Detection device 216 of the implantable device 104 can employ one ormore of the sensors, devices, and/or associated circuitry previouslydescribed to detect and/or process signal 701. In this embodiment,signal 701 can correspond to a unique key or password that is employedto authorize and/or initiate a telemetry session between the implantabledevice 104 and the external device 114.

Analysis component 220 is configured to compare signal 701 withreference information defining or corresponding to the particularphysiological, motion and/or sound signals associated with authorizationof telemetry between the implantable device 104 and the external device114 (or another external device). The analysis component 220 candetermine whether the signal 701 and/or data generated based on thesignal 701 has a defined degree of similarity with the referenceinformation. In an embodiment, the reference information can be storedby the implantable device 104 in memory. In other embodiments, theimplantable device 104 can access the reference information by accessinga database or repository of information stored at a location on acommunication network to which the implantable device 104 can becommunicatively coupled. In some embodiments, the reference informationcan further be associated with information identifying the externaldevice 114 as the device with which the implantable device 104 isconfigured to initiate a telemetry session in response to thedetermination that the signal 701 has a defined degree of similaritywith the reference information.

In response to a determination that signal 701 exhibits a defined degreeof similarity with the reference information, authorization component222 can initiate (or, in some embodiments, continue) telemetry withexternal device 114 (or with another external device). In someembodiments, authorization component 222 can access or utilizeadditional information (e.g., access key, session key or protocoldefining authorized data exchange) associated with the referenceinformation to facilitate initiating and/or establishing the telemetrysession with the external device 114 (or the other external device).

As described above with reference to systems 100, 700 and/or the secondgroup of embodiments, the authentication controller component 208 canfacilitate various operations of external device 114 in connection withfacilitating an authorized telemetry session between external device 114and implantable device 104 (or another external device). For example,authentication controller component 208 can notify the implantabledevice 104 that the external device 114 (or another device) would liketo establish a telemetry session with the implantable device 104,activate detection device 216 to monitor for receipt of signal 701and/or generate or send (e.g., via communication device 224) anacknowledgment message to the external device 114 indicating that theimplantable device 104 has activated the detection device 216 andawaiting receipt of signal 701.

In an embodiment, in response to reception of the acknowledgementmessage, the authentication controller component 208 can generatenotification at the external device 114 of an identification of, and/ortiming for, a particular action (e.g., movement or speech) requested tobe performed and transmitted to the implantable device 104 via thesignal 701.

While signal 701 is generated at the external device 114 based on one ormore of a physiological state/function of the body 102 in which theimplantable device 104 is located, a motion of the body 102 in which theimplantable device 104 is located, and/or a sound made by the body inwhich the implantable device 104 is implanted, signal 702 is or includesa unique signal based on a unique authentication signal generated by theexternal device 114.

In these embodiments, signal 702 is associated with implementation ofsystem 700 in accordance with the third group of embodiments of system100. As previously described, the third group of embodiments of system100 facilitate authorizing telemetry between the implantable device 104and the external device 114 based on the unique authentication signal.By way of example, but not limitation, signal 702 can correspond to aunique audio signal, a unique light signal, a RF signal and/or a uniquepassword or key generated by the external device 114 via signalgeneration device 704.

Signal generation device 704 can include hardware, software, or acombination of hardware and software to facilitate generating signal702. For example, signal generation device 704 can include a speakerand/or an audio player configured to generate and/or emit the uniqueaudio signal. In another example, signal generation device 704 caninclude or employ one or more light sources (e.g., an LED or an LEDpanel). Signal generation device 704 can include an RF transmitter ortransceiver and associated circuitry to generate the unique RF signal.In some embodiments, the communication device 214 and the signalgeneration device 704 can share the same RF transmitter or transceiver.

Detection device 216 can include hardware, software, or a combination ofhardware and software configured to process a signal as previouslydescribed with reference to FIG. 2. By way of example, but notlimitation, detection device 216 can include one or more motion sensors(e.g., an accelerometer, a piezoelectric device or a pressure sensor) todetect vibration associated with a unique audio signal and/or an RFreceiver or transceiver configured to receive and/or process unique RFsignals.

Analysis component 220 is configured to compare detected signal 702 toreference information stored at the memory of the implantable device 104or otherwise accessible to the implantable device 104 over a network.The reference information can vary depending on the type of informationincluded in signal 702. For example, in embodiments in which the signal702 includes a unique audio signal, the reference information caninclude a set of defined audio parameters, a defined reference audiofingerprint or a defined set of motion parameters associated with thevocal cords of the particular, expected producer of the audio signal.

Analysis component 220 is configured to compare the signal 702, orelectronic information corresponding to signal 702, to the referenceinformation stored in the memory of the implantable device 104 oraccessible to the implantable device 104 via a network. In response to adetermination that signal 702 exhibits a defined degree ofcorrespondence to the reference information, authorization component 222can initiate telemetry with external device 114 (or another externaldevice).

Security information data packet 703 includes security informationreceived or captured at the external device 114, and/or transmitted tothe implantable device 104 to facilitate authorization of telemetrybetween the implantable device 104 and the external device 114. Securityinformation data packet 703 can include the various types of securityinformation described for the fourth group of embodiments of system 100described with reference to FIG. 1. For example, security informationdata packet 703 can include biometric data (e.g., an image of an eyeiris, a body part, a distinguishing tattoo or a fingerprint). In anotherexample, security information data packet 703 can include a password orkey (e.g., a password or key received at the external device 114 asinput to the external device 114 by the user of the external device114).

In various embodiments, external device 114 can include an input device706 configured to receive user input in association with receiving theinformation corresponding to the security information data packet 703.For example, input device 706 can include a keypad, a touch screen, or avoice detection device. In some embodiments, the input device 706 caninclude a camera or scanner configured to capture image data. In someembodiments, the input device 706 can include a graphical user interfaceconfigured to display information and/or otherwise output informationfrom the external device 114.

The external device 114 is configured to provide security informationdata packet 703 to the implantable device 104 (e.g., using communicationdevice 214). Upon reception of the security information data packet 703(e.g., via communication device 224), analysis component 220 isconfigured to compare the data included in the security information datapacket 703 with reference information, as previously described inassociation with FIG. 1. In response to a determination that thesecurity information data packet 703 corresponds to, or substantiallycorresponds to, the reference information, the authorization component222 is configured to authorize and facilitate telemetry between theimplantable device 104 and the external device 114 (or between theimplantable device 104 and another external device).

FIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 illustrate flow diagrams of example,non-limiting methods for facilitating authorized telemetry with animplantable device based on comparison of a signal or securityinformation, received by the IMD, to reference information correspondingto the signal or security information in accordance with the second,third and fourth groups embodiments described herein. The methods ofFIGS. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 are described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7wherein the implantable device (e.g., implantable device 104) isembodied in the respective methods as an IMD. Repetitive description oflike elements employed in other embodiments described herein is omittedfor sake of brevity.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method 800facilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device and anexternal device based on detection, by the IMD, of informationassociated with a physical action performed by the body of the patientin which the IMD is implanted in accordance with the second group ofembodiments described herein.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and/or 8, at 802, an IMD detects, viaone or more sensors of the IMD (or via detection device 216), one ormore signals associated with a physical action performed by the patientin which the IMD is implanted (e.g., a physical action performed by orvia body 102). For example, the patient can perform a specific physicalaction known to the patient as corresponding to a “password” or “code”associated with initiating and/or conducting an authorized telemetrysession between the IMD and a particular external device (e.g., externaldevice 114). For example, the patient can take a deep breath whilestretching one or more arms above the head of the patient.

At 804, the IMD compares the one or more detected signals to referenceauthorization data corresponding to one or more reference signals todetermine a degree of similarity or correlation between detected signalsand the reference signals (e.g., via the analysis component 220). Insome embodiments, the reference authorization data is or includes thereference information described herein with reference to FIG. 7, forexample.

In some embodiments, the reference authorization data can bepreviously-stored in the IMD or accessed by the IMD (e.g., via anetwork), and can be information indicative of the physical action. Thisinformation can include information representative of one or morereference physiological, motion, and/or audio signals associated withthe physical action.

In response to a determination that the detected signals have a defineddegree of correlation with the reference signals, at 806 the IMD caninitiate a telemetry session with the external device (e.g., via theauthorization component 222). In response to a determination that thedetected signals fail to exhibit the defined degree of correlation withthe reference signals, at 810 the IMD can forgo a telemetry session withthe external device.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method 900of facilitating authorized telemetry with an IMD and an external devicebased on a unique sound emitted by the external device in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and/or 9, at 902, an external device(e.g., external device 114) emits a unique sound (e.g., via signalgeneration device 704). For example, the unique sound can include aunique ringtone or an original song. At 904, the IMD detects informationassociated with the unique sound (e.g., via detection device 216). Forexample, the IMD can detect characteristics associated with a waveformfor the unique sound and/or determine an audio fingerprint for theunique sound. At 906, the IMD compares the information with referencesound information (e.g., via analysis component 220). For example, theIMD can compare measurements of frequency, amplitude, phase shift and/oran audio fingerprint of the unique sound with reference soundinformation defining reference measurement data and/or a reference audiofingerprint.

In response to a determination that the detected information has adefined degree of correlation with the reference sound information, at908, the IMD can initiate a telemetry session with the external device(e.g., via authorization component 222). In response to a determinationthat the detected information fails to exhibit the defined degree ofcorrelation with the reference sound information, at 910 the IMD canforgo a telemetry session with the external device.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method1000 of facilitating authorized telemetry with an IMD and an externaldevice based on a light pattern emitted by the external device inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and/or 10, at 1002, an external device(e.g., external device 114) emits a unique light pattern (e.g., viasignal generation device 704). For example, the unique light pattern caninclude a sequence of light-on and light-off pulses with additionalvariation in color and/or intensity. At 1004, the IMD detectsinformation associated with the unique light pattern (e.g., viadetection device 216). At 1006, the IMD compares information associatedwith the light pattern with reference light information (e.g., viaanalysis component 220). In response to a determination that thedetected information has a defined degree of correlation with thereference light information, at 1008, the IMD can initiate a telemetrysession with the external device (e.g., via authorization component222). In response to a determination that the detected information failsto exhibit the defined degree of similarity or correlation with thereference light information, at 1010 the IMD can forgo a telemetrysession with the external device.

FIG. 11 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method1100 of facilitating authorized telemetry with an IMD and an externaldevice based on an RF pattern emitted by the external device inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 11, at 1102, an external device(e.g., external device 114) emits a unique RF signal pattern (e.g., viasignal generation device 704). For example, the unique RF signal patterncan include an RF signal having defined variations in frequency and/orbandwidth. At 1104, the IMD detects information associated with theunique RF signal pattern (e.g., via detection device 216). At 1106, theIMD compares the information with reference RF signal patterninformation (e.g., via analysis component 220). In response to adetermination that the detected information has a defined degree ofcorrelation with the reference RF signal pattern information, at 1008,the IMD can initiate a telemetry session with the external device (e.g.,via authorization component 222). In response to a determination thatthe detected information fails to exhibit the defined degree ofsimilarity or correlation with the reference RF signal information, at1110 the IMD can forgo a telemetry session with the external device.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method offacilitating authorized telemetry with an IMD and an external devicebased on image data of a physical feature of the body of the patient inwhich the IMD is implanted in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and/or 12, at 1202, an external device(e.g., external device 114) captures image data of a physical feature ofthe patient wearing the IMD (e.g., via input device 706). For example,using a camera on the external device, the user of the external devicecan take a picture of the face of the patient wearing the IMD. The imagedata can further include a time stamp indicating the time at which theimage data was taken. At 1204, the IMD receives the image data from theexternal device (e.g., via communication device 214). At 1206, the IMDcompares the image data with reference image data (e.g., via analysiscomponent 220). For example, the IMD can perform facial recognition toidentify unique features of the face and compare the unique featureswith reference image data identifying a set of reference facialfeatures. At 1208, in response to a determination that the image datahas a defined degree of correlation with the reference image data, theIMD can initiate a telemetry session with the external device (e.g., viaauthorization component 222). In response to a determination that theimage data fails to exhibit the defined degree of correlation with thereference image data, at 1210 the IMD can forgo a telemetry session withthe external device.

Referring now to FIG. 13, illustrated is a schematic diagram of anotherexample, non-limiting medical device telemetry system 1300 facilitatingauthorized telemetry with an implantable device in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein. System 1300 includes one or moreof the various structure, features and/or functionalities of system 100with the addition of a second external device 1302. Repetitivedescription of like elements employed in other embodiments describedherein is omitted for sake of brevity.

In accordance with one or more embodiments of system 1300, theimplantable device 104, external device 114, and/or second externaldevice 1302 can be configured to communicate with one another using anynumber of a variety of networks (not shown) and/or wirelesscommunication protocols. For example, in one or more embodiments, thedevices of system 1300 can communicate using NFC, or another type ofcommunication protocol over a PAN or a LAN (e.g., a Wi-Fi network) thatcan provide for communication over greater distances than NFC protocolor that can provide various advantages (such as increased security).Other communication protocols that can be employed by system 1300 caninclude, but are not limited to, BLUETOOTH® technology-based protocols(e.g., BTLE protocol), UWB standard protocols, RF communicationprotocols, and/or other proprietary and non-proprietary communicationprotocols. In another embodiment, the devices of system 1300 cancommunicate with one another (and/or another device) over a WAN usingcellular or HTTP based communication protocols (e.g., SIP).

Second external device 1302 can include one or more of the variousstructures, features and/or functionalities of external device 114.Second external device 1302 can also include, but is not limited to, ahandheld computing device, a wearable computing device, a mobile phone,a smart phone, a tablet PC, PDA, a laptop computer, and/or a desktop.

Many of the various embodiments associated with facilitating telemetrywith an implantable device 104 described supra note that theauthentication/authorization process between the external device 114 andthe implantable device 104 can facilitate telemetry between theimplantable device 104 and the external device 114 or between theimplantable device 104 and another device. In one or more embodiments,the second external device 1302 can be the other device with whichtelemetry with the implantable device 104 can be facilitated.

For example, with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and/or 13, in accordance withsystem 1300, the external device 114 and/or the implantable device 104can detect and compare concurrently detected signals (e.g., signals 202and 204). In one embodiment, based on correspondence between thesesignals detected by the external device 114 and the implantable device104, the implantable device 104 can authorize and/or initiate atelemetry session with the second external device 1302.

In another example, in any of the embodiments described herein, in lieuof or in addition to the IMD performing analysis of the signaltransmitted from the external device 114, the second external device1302 can perform analysis of the signal transmitted from the externaldevice 114. By way of example, but not limitation, the external device114 and the implantable device 104 can each transmit concurrentlydetected signals to the second external 1302 device for comparativeanalysis by the second external device 1302. Based on correspondencebetween these signals as determined by the second external device 1302,the second external device 1302 can be configured to authorize and/orinitiate a telemetry session between the implantable device 104 and theexternal device 114 and/or between the implantable device 104 and thesecond external device 1302 in various embodiments.

In accordance with some of the embodiments associated with system 1300,the second external device 1302 need not perform the signal detectingfunctions described with reference to the detection devices 206 and 216or the signal generation functions described with reference to signalgeneration device 704. This embodiment can facilitate the integration ofcertain signal detection and signal generation devices (e.g., variousmedical devices and health monitoring devices) that may not beconfigured to perform various telemetry operations with an implantabledevice 104, but can provide highly specified signal detection and/orsignal generation functions generally not suitable for integration intomainstream commercial devices that employed for telemetry with animplantable device 104. Example mainstream commercial devices include,but are not limited to, smart phones, tablets, laptop PCs, desktop PCs,etc. that are configured to employ commercially available telemetryprotocols to communicate with an IMD.

In yet another embodiment of system 1300, the external device 114 can beconfigured to generate/provide a trigger signal that causes theimplantable device 104 to enter a pairing mode. For example, asdiscussed infra, the external device 114 can generate a distinguishableRF signal (e.g., at a non-commercial frequency of sufficient strength)that is detected and interpreted by the implantable device 104 as asignal to activate pairing mode. In response to detection of the triggersignal, the implantable device 104 can enter pairing mode and activatethe appropriate sensors/circuitry/antennas etc., used by the implantabledevice 104, to detect/receive unique signals (e.g., signals 204, 202,701, and/or 702) and/or security information (e.g., security informationdata packet 703) used by the implantable device 104 to authorizetelemetry.

In some embodiments, after generation/provision of the trigger signal,the external device 114 can generate/provide the unique signal and/orsecurity information (as previously discussed). However, in otherembodiments, the second external device 1302 can be configured togenerate/provide the unique signal/security information after theimplantable device 104 has entered pairing mode. According to theseembodiments, the second external device 1302 can include the variousfeatures and functionality of external device 114 and the externaldevice 114 can merely function as a device that provides the triggersignal. The various embodiments associated with system 1300 aredescribed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of a non-limiting system 1400facilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device and asecond external device based on communication of security informationbetween the implantable device and an external device in accordance withone or more embodiments described herein. Although not shown, it is tobe appreciated that the implantable device 104 is implanted within abody of a living being. For exemplary purposes, system 700 is describedwith the assumption that the implantable device 104 is implanted withina human being. In some embodiments, the implantable device 104 can beimplanted within an animal.

System 1400 includes one or more of the structure, features and/orfunctionality of system 1300 with the addition of various componentsincluded in the respective devices of system 1300 that facilitate thevarious implementations of systems 1300 and 1400. In accordance withsystem 1400, in various different embodiments, the external device 114and the implantable device 104 can include one or more of the same orsimilar components, structure, features and/or functionality aspreviously described with respect to systems 100, 200 and 700. Invarious different embodiments, as shown, system 1400 can also includesignals 202, 204, 701, 702 and/or security information data packet 703,the various structures, features and functionalities of which aredescribed supra. Repetitive description of like elements employed inother embodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

Second external device 1302 can include one or more of the structure,features and functionalities of external device 114 or implantabledevice 104. For example, second external device 1302 can includeauthentication controller component 1402, which can include analysiscomponent 1404 and authorization component 1406. Authenticationcontroller component 1402, analysis component 1404, and authorizationcomponent 1406, can include one or more of the structures, features andfunctionalities as authentication controller component 208 or 218,analysis component 210 or 220, and authorization component 212 or 222,respectively. Communication device 1408 can also include one or more ofthe structure, features, and functionality as communication device 214or communication device 224. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity.

In one embodiment of system 1400, the external device 114 and theimplantable device 104 can concurrently detect first and second signals,respectively, regarding a physiological state of the body 102 in whichthe implantable device 104 is implanted, a motion of the body 102,and/or a sound detectable by both the external device 114 and theimplantable device 104 (e.g., signal 202 and signal 204, respectively).The external device 114 can further provide the first signal, orelectronic information representative of the first signal, to theimplantable device 104 and the implantable device 104 can performcomparative analysis between the first and second signals in accordancewith the various embodiments described herein (e.g., via analysiscomponent 220). However, in response to a determination that the firstand second signals share a defined degree of similarity, rather thaninitiating a telemetry session with the external device 114, theimplantable device 104 can be configured to authorize and/or initiate atelemetry session with the second external device 1302 (e.g., viaauthorization component 222) in accordance with the various embodimentsdescribed herein.

In some embodiments, the implantable device 104 can detect a signal(e.g., signal 701 or signal 702 or security information data packet 703)that is transmitted from the external device 114 to the implantabledevice 104. The implantable device 104 can perform comparative analysisbetween the detected signal 701, 702 or received security informationdata packet 703 and authentication reference information for thedetected signal or the security information data packet, in accordancewith the various embodiments described herein (e.g., via analysiscomponent 220). However, in response to a determination that thedetected signal 701, 702 or the received security information datapacket 703 has a defined degree of similarity with the respectiveauthentication reference information for the detected signal or thesecurity information data packet, rather than initiating a telemetrysession with the external device 114, the implantable device 104 can beconfigured to authorize and/or initiate a telemetry session with thesecond external device 1302 (e.g., via authorization component 222), inaccordance with the various embodiments described herein. In someembodiments, the authentication reference information associated with adetected signal (e.g., signal 701 or signal 702) or the receivedsecurity information data packet (e.g., security information data packet703) can be associated with or include information identifying thesecond external device 1302 (e.g., a device identifier) as the assigneddevice with which the implantable device 104 is configured to initiateand/or conduct a telemetry session.

In another embodiment, second external device 1302 is configured toreceive concurrently detected signals from the implantable device 104and the external device 114, respectively (e.g., via communicationdevice 1408). The second external device 1302 can be further configuredto compare the first and second signals via analysis component 1404(e.g., using one or more of the various techniques previously describedwith respect to analysis component 210 and/or analysis component 220).

In one embodiment, in response to a determination by the second externaldevice 1302 that the first and second signals have a defined degree ofsimilarity, the second external device 1302 can authorize and/orinitiate a telemetry session between the implantable device 104 and theexternal device 114 (e.g., via authorization component 1406). Forexample, the second external device 1302 can send the implantable device104 and/or the external device 114 respective authentication information(e.g., device identifiers for the external device 114 and theimplantable device 104) and/or session keys in accordance with suitableexisting pairing technology. In an embodiment, the session keys can beset to expire after a defined duration of time. However, in response toa determination by the second external device 1302 that the first andsecond signals fail to have the defined degree of similarity, the secondexternal device 1302 can forgo authorization and initiation of atelemetry session between the implantable device 104 and the externaldevice 114.

In another embodiment, in response to a determination by the secondexternal device 1302 that the first and second signals have a defineddegree of similarity (e.g., via analysis component 1404), the secondexternal device 1302 can authorize and/or initiate a telemetry sessionbetween the implantable device 104 and the second external device 1302.For example, the second external device 1302 can send the implantabledevice 104 a communication indicating authorization for the telemetrysession has been provided (e.g., via communication device 1408). Inresponse to the communication, the implantable device 104 can send thesecond external device 1302 authentication information (e.g., deviceidentifiers for the implantable device 104) and/or session keys inaccordance with suitable existing pairing technology. In an embodiment,the session keys can be set to expire after a defined duration of time.However, in response to a determination by the second external device1302 that the first and second signals fail to have the defined degreeof similarity, the second external device 1302 can forgo authorizationand initiation of a telemetry session with the implantable device 104.

In accordance with this embodiment, the external device 114 can includea device configured to detect one or more of the various physiological,motion and/or audio based signals described herein. However, theexternal device 114 can be configured to perform minimal processingfunctions associated with conducting telemetry with the implantabledevice 104. For example, the external device can include a personalheart rate monitor configured to be worn on the body 102 (e.g., underclothing of a patient) that provides for determining heart rate. Inanother example, external device 114 can include a personal vital signsmonitoring device that can determine the blood pressure, temperatureand/or heart rate of the body 102 of the patient. External device 114can transmit the signal indicative of detected information to the secondexternal device 1302 and/or to the implantable device 104 in variousembodiments. In embodiments in which the external device 114 transmitsthe signal only to the implantable device 104, the implantable device104 can be further configured to relay this information to the secondexternal device 1302.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method1500 facilitating authorized telemetry with an IMD and an externaldevice or a second external device based on concurrent detection, by theIMD and the external device, of information associated with a heartrhythm of the body of the patient in which the IMD is implanted inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 13, 14 and/or 15, at 1502, an external device(e.g., external device 114), measures, over a defined detection period,first information associated with heart rhythm of a patient wearing anIMD (e.g., implantable device 104). For example, the external device canactivate a camera of the external device and capture image data of thechange in patient blood color over a defined duration of time inresponse to placement the finger of the patient over at least a portionof the lens of the camera. The external device 114 can further estimatethe heart rate of the body of the patient based on the change in bloodcolor.

At 1504, the IMD measures, over the defined detection period, secondinformation associated with the heart rhythm of the patient wearing theIMD. For example, the IMD can activate an ECG device or a pulse oximeterto capture signals (e.g., electrical activity of the heart, or change inblood oxygenation levels, respectively) that can be correlated to theheart rate of the body of the patient.

At 1506, the IMD or a second external device (e.g., second externaldevice 1302), compare the first and second information to determine adegree of correlation between the first and second information. Forexample, in one embodiment, the external device can send the firstinformation to the IMD and the IMD can then compare the first and secondinformation. In another embodiment, both the external device and the IMDcan send the first and second information, respectively, to the secondexternal device. The second external device can then compare the firstand second information.

In response to a determination that the first and second informationhave a defined degree of correlation, either by the IMD or the secondexternal device, at 1508 a telemetry session is initiated between theIMD and the external device or between the IMD and the second externaldevice. Either scenario can be authorized and/or initiated by the secondexternal device. At 1510, in response to a determination that the firstand second information fail to have the defined degree of correlation,the telemetry session is forgone.

FIG. 16 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method1600 of facilitating authorized telemetry with an IMD and a secondexternal device based on communication of security information betweenthe IMD and a first external device in accordance with one or moreembodiments described herein.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 13, 14 and/or 16, at 1602, an external device(e.g., external device 114) provides a unique signal (e.g., signal 702)or security information (e.g., security information data packet 703) toan IMD (e.g., implantable device 104) or a second external device (e.g.,second external device 1302). At 1604, the IMD or the second externaldevice receives and interprets the unique signal or securityinformation.

At 1606, the IMD or the second external device can compare the uniquesignal or security information with reference authentication data. Inresponse to a determination (either by the IMD or the second externaldevice) that the unique signal or the security information have adefined degree of correlation with the reference authentication data, at1608 a telemetry session is initiated between the IMD and the externaldevice or between the IMD and the second external device. Eitherscenario can be authorized and/or initiated by the second externaldevice. At 1610, in response to a determination that the unique signalor the security information fail to have the defined degree ofsimilarity or correlation, initiation of a telemetry session is forgone.

Referring now to FIG. 17, illustrated is a schematic diagram of anotherexample, non-limiting medical device telemetry system 1700 facilitatingauthorized telemetry with an implantable device in accordance with oneor more embodiments described herein. System 1700 can include one ormore of the various structures, features and/or functionalities ofsystem 100 with the addition of a server device 1702. Repetitivedescription of like elements employed in other embodiments describedherein is omitted for sake of brevity.

In some embodiments, external device 114 and/or second external device1302 is configured to communicate with a server device 1702 via one ormore of the networks described above. For example, the external device114 can receive information from the server device 1702 indicative ofinstructions dictating a particular audio signal, RF signal, or lightsignal to be transmitted by the external device 114 to the implantabledevice 104 in association with authorizing a telemetry session with theimplantable device 104. As another example, after the implantable device104 and the external device 114 or the second external device 1302 haveestablished an authorized telemetry session using one or more of theauthorization methods described herein, the external device 114 and/orthe second external device 1302 can communicate data between theimplantable device 104 and the server device 1702 via a network. Thisdata can include, but is not limited to, control commands issued by theserver device 1702, sent from the server device 1702 to the implantabledevice 104 (or to the second external device 1302) via the externaldevice 114. In another embodiment, the data can also include informationtransmitted from the implantable device 104 to the server device 1702via the external device 114 or via the second external device 1302.

In some embodiments, the server device 1702 can store computer-readablestorage media on which instructions facilitating operations of anapplication service provider can be stored. The application serviceprovider can be configured to facilitate operations of an IMDapplication stored on the external device 114 that can be employed bythe external device 114 to interact with the implantable device 104.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example, non-limiting block diagram of anexternal device 114 configured to facilitate telemetry with animplantable device 104 in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. In various embodiments, one or more of the structures,features and/or functionalities of external device 114 as presented inFIGS. 1-18 can be included in and/or employed by the second externaldevice 1302. Repetitive description of like elements employed in otherembodiments described herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

For example, with reference to FIGS. 1, 17 and 18, the external device114 can include an implantable device application component (e.g.,implantable device application component 1802) that can facilitateinteraction with an implantable device (e.g., implantable device 104)via a variety of different embodiments (e.g., reading and displayinginformation read from the implantable device, programming theimplantable device or controlling functions of the implantable device).In some embodiments, the implantable device application component 1802can also include functionality to cause the external device 114 toperform or facilitate one or more of the various authorization methodsdisclosed herein to enable authorized communication between theimplantable device and the external device 114 (or the second externaldevice 1302).

External device 114 can also include memory 1818 that storescomputer-executable components, and a processor 1820 that executes thecomputer-executable components (e.g., the implantable device applicationcomponent 1802 and/or the various components of the implantable deviceapplication component) stored in the memory. External device 114 furtherincludes a display 1816 and a bus 1814 that couples the variouscomponents including, but not limited to, implantable device applicationcomponent 1802 (and the various components of the implantable deviceapplication component 1802), detection device 206, signal generationdevice 704, communication device 214, input device 706, display 1816,memory 1818 and/or processor 1820.

The implantable device application controller component 1804 canfacilitate one or more of a variety of potential application functionsprovided via the implantable device application component 1802 that maybe unrelated to authentication/authorization of telemetry between theexternal device 114 and the implantable device 104. For example, thesefunctions can include, but are not limited to, those associated withfacilitating interfacing between the implantable device 104 and theexternal device (e.g., reading/receiving data from the implantabledevice 104 and/or controlling or programming the implantable deviceafter a telemetry session has been authorized via the authorizationtechniques described herein). In another example, these functions canfacilitate interfacing between the external device 114 and the serverdevice 1702 in one or more ways as described herein. In another example,these functions can facilitate remote storing and/or tracking of patientmedical information as relates to the IMD (e.g., cloud-based computingfunctionalities).

Authentication controller component 208 can be configured to facilitatethe various authorization and authentication functions described hereinin connection with facilitating an authorized telemetry session betweenexternal device 114 and an implantable device (or another externaldevice), as previously described with reference to systems 200, 700 and1400. In one or more embodiments, authentication controller component208 can further include detection component 1806, signal generationcomponent 1808, server device authentication component 1810 andinterface component 1812.

Authentication controller component 208 can employ detection component1806 in association with controlling operation of the detection device206. For example, detection component 1806 can issue commands to thedetection device 206 that control activation and/or deactivation ofdetection device 206. Similarly, authentication controller component 208can employ signal generation component 1808 in association withcontrolling operation of the signal generation device 704. For example,signal generation component 1808 can issue commands to the signalgeneration device that control when the signal generation devicegenerates and/or emits a unique audio signal, RF signal or light signal.

Server device authentication component 1810 is configured to facilitateauthenticating and/or authorizing the external device 114 (or a user ofthe external device 114) in association with providing the externaldevice 114 (or the user of the external device 114) access to thevarious features and functionalities of implantable device applicationcomponent 1802, including, but not limited to, features associated withestablishing an authorized telemetry session with the implantable device104. For example, the server device 1702 can provide different users avariety of services associated with the implantable device applicationcomponent 1802. For instance, in embodiments in which the implantabledevice 104 is or includes an IMD, one of these services can includeretaining and/or providing access to patient health information/recordsassociated with the IMD of the patient. Another one of these servicescan include managing access to implantable devices by different users.

In one or more embodiments, in association with managing access toimplantable devices by different users, the server device 1702 and theserver device authentication component 1810 can employ a secureauthentication procedure to determine whether an external device 114and/or a user of the external device 114 is authorized to conducttelemetry with an implantable device 104. According to theseembodiments, the server device 1702 can issue or provide the externaldevice 114 with access keys, security information (e.g., securityinformation data packet 703 or session keys required for provision bythe external device 114 to the implantable device 104) to establish anauthorized telemetry session only after the external device/user of theexternal device 114 has successfully performed the authenticationprocedure with the server device 1702.

In an embodiment, the server device 1702 can retain or accessinformation identifying implantable devices (e.g., unique implantabledevice identifiers) and the one or more external devices (e.g., viaunique external device identifiers) and/or users of the external devicesauthorized to access the respective implantable devices. The serverdevice authentication component 1810 can facilitate receivingauthentication input at the external device 114 (e.g.,username/password) identifying the external device 114 and/or the userof the external device 114 in association with a request to establish atelemetry session with an implantable device. The server deviceauthentication component 1810 can further provide the authenticationinput and the telemetry request to the server device 1702.

Upon reception of the request, the server device 1702 can perform anauthentication/authorization procedure to verify the identity of theexternal device 114/user of the external device 114 based on theauthentication input and to determine whether the external device/userof the external device is authorized to conduct telemetry with theimplantable device. The server device 1702 can employ various userauthentication/authorization protocols to verify the identity of anexternal device 114 (or user of the external device 114) requestingtelemetry with a particular implantable device. For example, serverdevice 1702 can employ a username and password system, an externalauthorization system, a single sign-on service and/or a public keyinfrastructure system (PKI), etc. Upon successfulauthentication/authorization, the server device 1702 can issue orprovide the external device 114 with a necessary access key, securityinformation (e.g., security information data packet 703) and/or sessionkey, required for provision by the external device 114 to theimplantable device 104 to establish the authorized telemetry session.

In another embodiment, server device authentication component 1810 canrestrict access to the authentication capabilities of the implantabledevice application component 1802 based on authentication/authorizationof the user of the application with the server device 1702 (e.g., via asign in procedure). In accordance with this embodiment, server deviceauthentication component 1810 can control access to a personal useraccount associated with the implantable device application component1802 and server device 1702 by implementing anauthentication/authorization procedure (e.g., enter user name andpassword) prior to allowing access to the personal user account. Thepersonal user account can include information identifying the user'simplantable device and/or the unique authentication signal 702 (e.g.,information identifying a unique user action based signal, a uniqueaudio signal, a unique RF signal or a unique light signal) or securityinformation data packet 703 (e.g., image data, password data or secretkey data) associated with accessing the implantable device 104.According to this embodiment, to receive, by the external device114/user of the external device 114, access to the informationidentifying the unique authentication signal or the securityinformation, the external device 114/user of the external device 114 canfirst perform an authentication procedure with the server device 1702(e.g., enter user name and password). Upon successful authentication/login, the server device 1702 can provide the external device 114/user ofthe external device 114 access to the information (e.g., via the accessof the user's personal user account).

Interface component 1812 is configured to generate a user interface forpresentation via the display 1816 that can facilitate activation and/orutilization of the various functionalities of the external device 114.For example, the user interface can facilitate using the implantabledevice application component 1802, displaying information received froman implantable device 104, issuing control commands to the implantabledevice 104, or issuing commands to change the parameters or otherwiseprogram or re-program the implantable device 104. In some embodiments,the interface component 1812 is configured to provide the user interfaceto a user of the external device 114, or to another device configured toread the user interface. For example, the display 1816 can be a touchscreen display in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the display1816 can be a component that outputs a visual, audible or otherindicator of information.

FIG. 19 illustrates a non-limiting block diagram of an implantabledevice 104 configured to facilitate telemetry with an implantable devicein accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Implantabledevice 104 as presented in association with FIG. 19 can include one ormore of the components and/or devices previously described withreference to FIGS. 1-17. Repetitive description of like elementsemployed in other embodiments described herein is omitted for sake ofbrevity.

Implantable device 104 can also include memory 1906 that storescomputer-executable components, and a processor 1908 that executes thecomputer-executable components (e.g., authentication controllercomponent 218 and/or the various components of the authenticationcontroller component 218) stored in the memory 1906. Implantable device104 further includes a bus 1904 that couples the various implantabledevice components including, but not limited to, authenticationcontroller component 218 (and the various components of theauthentication controller component 218), detection device 216,communication device 224, memory 1906 and processor 1908.

Authentication controller component 218 is configured to facilitatevarious operations of implantable device 104 in connection withfacilitating an authorized telemetry session between the implantabledevice 104 and external device 114 (or between the implantable deviceand another external device (e.g., second external device 1302 of FIG.13)) as previously described with reference to FIGS. 2, 7 and 14.

FIG. 20 illustrates a block diagram of an example, non-limiting serverdevice 1702 configured to facilitate telemetry with an implantabledevice in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.Repetitive description of like elements employed in other embodimentsdescribed herein is omitted for sake of brevity.

The server device 1702 can include an authentication/verificationcomponent 2002 and communication device 2004. Server device 1702 canalso include memory 2008 that stores computer-executable components, anda processor 2010 that executes computer-executable components stored inthe memory 2008 (e.g., the authentication/verification component 2002).Server device 1702 can include a bus 2006 that couples the variouscomponents of the server device 1702 including, but not limited to,authentication/verification component 2002, communication device 2004,memory 2008, and a processor 2010.

Communication device 2004 is configured to facilitate communicationbetween the server device 1702 and another device (e.g., external device114 or second external device 1302). Communication device 2004 caninclude one or more of the features and functionalities as communicationdevice 214. For example, communication device 2004 can include atransmitter and/or receiver configured to transmit and/or receiveelectrical wireless signals. For example, communication device 2004 cancommunicate with another device using various wireless communicationprotocols including, but not limited to, RF communications or otherforms of communication including both proprietary and non-proprietarycommunication protocols.

With reference to FIGS. 18 and 20, according to some embodiments, theserver device 1702 can provide additional security in association withestablishing an authorized telemetry session between the implantabledevice 104 and the external device 114 (or another device) by using anauthentication method. The authentication method can be employed betweenthe server device 1702 and the external device 114 (or between the userof the external device 114) before allowing the implantable deviceapplication component 1802 of FIG. 18 to be activated and/or used.

For example, the server device 1702 can provide different externaldevices (or different users of external devices) a variety of servicesassociated with the implantable device application component 1802 of theexternal device 114. For instance, in embodiments in which theimplantable device 104 is or includes an IMD, one of these services caninclude retaining and/or providing access to patient healthinformation/records associated with the IMD of the patient. Another ofthese services can include managing access to implantable devices bydifferent users. For example, as discussed supra, server device 1702 canprovide/issue an external device 114 with the security information(e.g., information defining a unique signal 702, security informationdata packet 703 or session keys) required for provision by the externaldevice 114 to an implantable device 104 to establish a telemetrysession, in response to performance of an authentication/authorizationprocedure.

In association with managing access to implantable devices by differentusers, the respective users can establish user accounts with the serverdevice 1702. The users can access their respective user accounts hostedby the server device 1702 via the implantable device applicationcomponent (e.g., implantable device application component 1802) providedon their respective external devices (e.g., external device 114). In anembodiment, the respective user accounts can be associated with personalinformation for the respective users. This personal information caninclude, but is not limited to, information regarding the implantabledevice or one or more external devices the implantable device isauthorized to access. The personal information can also include, but isnot limited to, information indicative of the manner in which theexternal device can access/communicate with the implantable device 104(e.g., read information at the implantable device only; read informationat the implantable device and program one or more aspects of theimplantable device). The personal information can also include, but isnot limited to, data defining a unique signal (e.g., signal 702) orsecurity information (e.g., security information data packet 703) thatis required to access the implantable device 104 or devices. Thepersonal information can also include data defining a distinct physicalaction (e.g., holding breath and raising hands above head) that isutilized to access the implantable device 104 or devices (e.g., thephysical action association with generation of signal 701).

In some embodiments, the server device 1702 can call for externaldevices (and/or users of external devices) to sign in to the respectiveuser accounts to access the user accounts and/or personal informationassociated with the respective user accounts. The server device 1702 canalso call for the users to sign in to the respective user accounts priorto allowing the users to access the various authorization functionalityprovided by the implantable device application component 1802. Serverdevice 1702 can be configured to employ various userauthentication/authorization protocols to perform the secure sign inprocedure. For example, server device 1702 can employ a username andpassword system, an external authorization system, a single sign-onservice, a PKI, etc.

In view of the example systems and/or devices described herein, examplemethods that can be implemented in accordance with the disclosedembodiments can be further appreciated with reference to flowcharts inFIGS. 21, 22 and 23. For purposes of simplicity of explanation, examplemethods disclosed herein are presented and described as a series ofacts; however, it is to be understood and appreciated that the disclosedsubject matter is not limited by the order of acts, as some acts mayoccur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts from thoseshown and/or described herein. For example, a method disclosed hereincan alternatively be represented as a series of interrelated states orevents, such as in a state diagram. Moreover, interaction diagrams canrepresent methods in accordance with the disclosed subject matter whendisparate entities enact disparate portions of the methods. Furthermore,not all illustrated acts are required to implement a method inaccordance with the embodiments.

FIG. 21 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method2100 facilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitivedescription of like elements employed in other embodiments describedherein is omitted for sake of brevity.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 7, 14 and 21, at 2102, first electronicinformation is compared with second electronic information by a firstdevice including a processor (e.g., implantable device 104 or secondexternal device 1302). The first electronic information is indicative ofa first image associated with a second device (e.g., external device114) external to a body in which an implantable device 104 is located.For example, the first electronic information can include informationrepresentative of a picture of the face, distinguishing body part,distinguishing hand symbol, distinguishing tattoo of the body in whichthe implantable device 104 is implanted. The second electronicinformation is indicative of second image associated with (e.g., storedin or accessible by) the implantable device 104. For example, the secondimage can include a reference image.

In some embodiments, the first electronic information and the secondelectronic information can be collected from the implantable device 104and the external device 114, and compared by another device (e.g.,second external device 1302). In other embodiments, the first electronicinformation or the second electronic information can be collected by theimplantable device 104 or the external device 114 and compared by theimplantable device 104 or the external device 114 to the informationalready detected by the implantable device 104 or the external device114.

At 2104, a determination is made as to whether a defined level ofcorrelation exists between the first electronic information and thesecond electronic information. At 2106, a telemetry session is initiatedwith the implantable device 104 based on a determination that thedefined level of correlation exists between the first electronicinformation and the second electronic information.

FIG. 22 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method2200 facilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitivedescription of like elements employed in other embodiments describedherein is omitted for sake of brevity.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 14 and 22, at 2202, first electronicinformation is compared with second electronic information by a firstdevice including a processor (e.g., implantable device 104 or secondexternal device 1302). The first electronic information is indicative ofa first motion of a second device (e.g., external device 114) externalto the body 102 in which an implantable device 104 is located. Forexample, the first electronic information can include informationrepresentative of the second device in response to motion of the body102 in which the implantable device 104 is located, wherein the seconddevice is held, worn, or otherwise attached to the body 102 in which theimplantable device 104 is implanted. The second electronic informationis indicative of as a motion of the implantable device 104.

At 2204, a determination is made as to whether a defined level ofcorrelation exists between the first electronic information and thesecond electronic information. At 2206, a telemetry session is initiatedwith the implantable device based on a determination that the definedlevel of correlation exists between the first electronic information andthe second electronic information.

FIG. 23 illustrates a flow diagram of an example, non-limiting method2300 facilitating authorized telemetry with an implantable device inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Repetitivedescription of like elements employed in other embodiments describedherein is omitted for sake of brevity.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 14 and 22, at 2302, first electronicinformation is compared with second electronic information by a firstdevice including a processor (e.g., implantable device 104 or secondexternal device 1302). The first electronic information is indicative ofa speech signal recorded by a second device (e.g., external device 114)external to a body 102 in which the implantable device 104 is located.For example, the first electronic information can include informationrepresentative of speech (e.g., an audio signal indicative of a sound, aword, a phrase, a melody or a song) within the body 102 in which theimplantable device 104 is implanted. The second electronic informationis indicative of vibration information internal to the body 102 anddetected by the implantable device 104. For example, the secondelectronic information can include information representative ofvibrations resonating inside the body 102 associated with vibration ofvocal cords of the body 102 that occurs when the speech occurs.

At 2304, a determination is made as to whether a defined level ofcorrelation exists between the first electronic information and thesecond electronic information. At 2306, a telemetry session is initiatedwith the implantable device based on a determination that the definedlevel of correlation exists between the first electronic information andthe second electronic information.

To provide additional context for one or more embodiments describedherein, FIG. 24 and the following discussion are intended to provide abrief, general description of a suitable computing environment 2400 inwhich the one or more embodiments described herein can be implemented.For example, computing environment 2400 can be included in externaldevice 114, implantable device 104, second external device 1302 and/orserver device 1702.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which caninclude computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data. Tangible and/or non-transitory computer-readablestorage media can include, but are not limited to, random access memory(RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable readonly memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compactdisk read only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage, other magnetic storage devices and/or other media that can beused to store desired information. Computer-readable storage media canbe accessed by one or more local or remote computing devices, e.g., viaaccess requests, queries or other data retrieval protocols, for avariety of operations with respect to the information stored by themedium.

In this regard, the term “tangible” herein as applied to storage,memory, computer-readable media or computer-readable storage media, isto be understood to exclude only propagating intangible signals per seas a modifier and does not relinquish coverage of all standard storage,memory, computer-readable media or computer-readable storage media thatare not only propagating intangible signals per se.

In this regard, the term “non-transitory” herein as applied to storage,memory, computer-readable media or computer-readable storage media, isto be understood to exclude only propagating transitory signals per seas a modifier and does not relinquish coverage of all standard storage,memory, computer-readable media or computer-readable storage media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a channelwave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information deliveryor transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signals refersto a signal that has one or more of the data signal's characteristicsset or changed in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediainclude wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection,and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wirelessmedia.

With reference again to FIG. 24, example environment 2400 forimplementing one or more embodiments of the embodiments described hereinincludes computer 2402. Computer 2402 can include processing unit 2404,system memory 2406 and system bus 2408. System bus 2408 couples systemcomponents including, but not limited to, system memory 2406 toprocessing unit 2404. Processing unit 2404 can be any of variouscommercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and othermulti-processor architectures can also be employed as processing unit2404.

System bus 2408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. System memory 2406 includesRAM 2410 and ROM 2412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can be storedin a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable read onlymemory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that helpto transfer information between elements within computer 2402, such asduring startup. RAM 2410 can also include a high-speed RAM such asstatic RAM for caching data.

Computer 2402 further includes internal hard disk drive (HDD) 2414(e.g., Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE), Serial AdvancedTechnology Attachment (SATA)). HDD 2414 can be connected to system bus2408 by hard disk drive interface 2416. The drives and their associatedcomputer-readable storage media provide nonvolatile storage of data,data structures, computer-executable instructions, and so forth. Forcomputer 2402, the drives and storage media accommodate the storage ofany data in a suitable digital format.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 2410,including operating system 2436, one or more applications 2438, othermodules (e.g., program modules) 2440 and data 2442 (e.g., program data).All or portions of the operating system, applications, modules, and/ordata can also be cached in RAM 2410. The systems and methods describedherein can be implemented utilizing various commercially availableoperating systems or combinations of operating systems.

A device can enter commands and information into computer 2402 throughone or more wireless input devices, e.g., keyboard 2428 (which can bewired or wireless) and a pointing device, such as mouse 2430 (which canbe wired or wireless). Other input devices (not shown) can include asmart phone, tablet, laptop, wand, wearable device or the like. Theseand other input devices are often connected to the processing unit 2404through input device interface 2418 that can be coupled to system bus2408, but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port,an IEEE serial port, a game port and/or a universal serial bus (USB)port.

Computer 2402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as remote computer(s) 2432. Remote computer(s)2432 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, a personalcomputer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described relative to computer2402, although, for purposes of brevity, only memory/storage device 2434is illustrated. The logical connections depicted include wired/wirelessconnectivity to a local area network (LAN) 2426 and/or larger networks,e.g., WAN 2424, as well as smaller PANs involving a few devices (e.g.,at least two). LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace inthe home, offices (e.g., medical facility offices or hospital offices)and companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such asintranets, all of which can connect to a global communications network(e.g., the Internet).

When used in a LAN networking environment, computer 2402 can beconnected to local network through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or network adapter 2420. Network adapter 2420 canfacilitate wired or wireless communication to LAN 2426, which can alsoinclude a wireless access point (AP) connected to the LAN 2426 forcommunicating with network adapter 2420.

When used in a WAN networking environment, computer 2402 can includemodem 2422 or can be connected to a communications server on WAN 2424 orhas other means for establishing communications over WAN 2424, such asby way of the Internet. Modem 2422, which can be internal or externaland a wired or wireless device, can be connected to system bus 2408 viainput device interface 2416. In a networked environment, program modulesdepicted relative to computer 2402 or portions thereof, can be stored ina remote memory/storage device. It will be appreciated that the networkconnections shown are example and other means of establishing acommunications link between the computers can be used.

Computer 2402 can be operable to communicate with any wireless devicesor entities operatively disposed in wireless communication via anynumber of protocols, including, but not limited to, NFC, Wi-Fi and/orBLUETOOTH® wireless protocols. Thus, the communication can be a definedstructure as with a conventional network or simply an ad hoccommunication between at least two devices.

NFC can allow point-to-point connection to an NFC-enabled device in theNFC field of an IMD within the home or at any location. NFC technologycan be facilitated using an NFC-enabled smart phone, tablet or otherdevice that can be brought within 3-4 centimeters of an implanted NFCcomponent. NFC typically provides a maximum data rate of 424 kilobitsper second (Kbps), although data rates can range from 6.67 Kbps to 828Kbps. NFC typically operates at the frequency of 13.56 MHz. NFCtechnology communication is typically over a range not exceeding 0.2meters (m) and setup time can be less than 0.1 seconds. Low power (e.g.,15 milliamperes (mAs)) reading of data can be performed by an NFCdevice.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out.Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n,etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Finetwork can be used to connect computers to each other, to the Internet,and to wired networks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Finetworks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands, at an 24Mbps (802.11a) or 54 Mbps (802.11b) data rate, for example or withproducts that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks canprovide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wiredEthernet networks used in many offices.

The embodiments of devices described herein can employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out one or more embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of an acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . ,xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence(class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to prognose or infer an action that a mobile devicedesires to be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) isan example of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachesinclude, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing mobiledevice behavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to a predefined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device including, but not limited to,single-core processors; single-processors with software multithreadexecution capability; multi-core processors; multi-core processors withsoftware multithread execution capability; multi-core processors withhardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; and parallelplatforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor canrefer to an integrated circuit, an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), a complexprogrammable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic,discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designed toperform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, to optimize spaceusage or enhance performance of mobile device equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

Memory disclosed herein can include volatile memory or nonvolatilememory or can include both volatile and nonvolatile memory. By way ofillustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory can include ROM,programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM) or flash memory. Volatile memory caninclude RAM, which acts as external cache memory. By way of illustrationand not limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as static RAM(SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rateSDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), anddirect Rambus RAM (DRRAM). The memory (e.g., data storages or databases)of the embodiments is intended to include, without being limited to,these and any other suitable types of memory.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” “database,” andsubstantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components includingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word “example” or “exemplary” is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the forgoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unlessspecified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singularform. The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims and description, unless otherwise clear by context, is forclarity only and doesn't necessarily indicate or imply any order intime.

What has been described above includes mere examples of one or moreembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe detailed description and the appended claims. Furthermore, to theextent that the term “includes” is used in either the detaileddescription or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in amanner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpretedwhen employed as a transitional word in a claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: comparing, by a firstdevice comprising a processor, first electronic information with secondelectronic information, wherein the first electronic information isindicative of a first image associated with a second device external toa body in which an implantable device is located, and wherein the secondelectronic information is indicative of a second image associated withthe implantable device; determining whether a defined level ofcorrelation exists between the first electronic information and thesecond electronic information; and initiating a telemetry sessionbetween the second device and the implantable device based on adetermination that the defined level of correlation exists between thefirst electronic information and the second electronic information. 2.The method of claim 1, further comprising: forgoing pairing the seconddevice and the implantable device based on a determination that thedefined level of correlation fails to exist between the first electronicinformation and the second electronic information.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first electronic information is stored on thesecond device, and the second electronic information is stored on theimplantable device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second deviceis communicatively coupled to a network, and wherein the firstelectronic information is accessible to the second device via thenetwork.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first image and thesecond image are indicative of one or more electronic images of apatient having the body in which the implantable device is located. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein the second device comprises a camera andwherein the method further comprises: receiving, by the first device,the first electronic information from the second device, wherein thefirst electronic information is generated by the camera of the seconddevice.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first device comprises theimplantable device.
 8. A method, comprising: comparing, by a firstdevice comprising a processor, first electronic information with secondelectronic information, wherein the first electronic information isindicative of a first motion of a second device external to a body inwhich an implantable device is located, and wherein the secondelectronic information is indicative of a second motion of theimplantable device; determining whether a defined level of correlationexists between the first electronic information and the secondelectronic information; and initiating a telemetry session between thesecond device and the implantable device based on a determination thatthe defined level of correlation exists between the first electronicinformation and the second electronic information.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, further comprising: forgoing pairing the second device and theimplantable device based on a determination that the defined level ofcorrelation fails to exist between the first electronic information andthe second electronic information.
 10. The method of claim 8, whereinthe first motion is associated with first acceleration of the seconddevice and the second motion is associated with second acceleration ofthe implantable device, wherein the second device comprises a thirddevice configured to measure the first acceleration of the seconddevice, and wherein the implantable device comprises a fourth deviceconfigured to measure the second acceleration of the implantable device.11. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving the firstelectronic information from the second device.
 12. The method of claim8, wherein the first motion is associated with a first time period andthe second motion is associated with a second time period, and whereinthe first time period and the second time period are concurrent.
 13. Amethod, comprising: comparing, by a first device comprising a processor,first electronic information with second electronic information, whereinthe first electronic information is indicative of a speech signalrecorded by a second device external to a body in which an implantabledevice is located, and wherein the second electronic information isindicative of vibration information internal to the body and detected bythe implantable device; determining whether a defined level ofcorrelation exists between the first electronic information and thesecond electronic information; and initiating a telemetry sessionbetween the second device and the implantable device based on adetermination that the defined level of correlation exists between thefirst electronic information and the second electronic information. 14.The method of claim 13, wherein the speech signal is associated with afirst time period and the vibration information is associated with asecond time period, and wherein the first time period and the secondtime period are concurrent.
 15. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising: forgoing pairing the second device and the implantabledevice based on a determination that the defined level of correlationfails to exist between the first electronic information and the secondelectronic information.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein recordationby the second device is performed by a microphone of the second device.17. The method of claim 13, wherein the vibration information isdetected by an accelerometer of the implantable device.
 18. A method,comprising: comparing, by a first device comprising a processor, firstelectronic information received at a second device external to a body inwhich an implantable device is located with second electronicinformation associated with the implantable device, wherein the firstelectronic information and the second electronic information compriseone or more passwords and wherein the first electronic information isreceived via a user interface to the second device; determining whetherthe first electronic information and the second electronic informationmatch; and initiating a telemetry session between the second device andthe implantable device based on a determination that the firstelectronic information and the second electronic information.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein the second device comprises a mobiletelephone.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: forgoingpairing the second device and the implantable device based on adetermination that the first electronic information and the secondelectronic information fail to match.
 21. The method of claim 18,wherein the second electronic information is stored in the implantabledevice.
 22. A computer-readable storage medium storing executableinstructions that, in response to execution, cause a first devicecomprising a processor to perform operations, comprising: comparingfirst electronic information with second electronic information, whereinthe first electronic information is indicative of a speech signalrecorded by a second device external to a body in which an implantabledevice is located, and wherein the second electronic information isindicative of vibration information internal to the body and detected bythe implantable device; determining whether a defined level ofcorrelation exists between the first electronic information and thesecond electronic information; and initiating a telemetry sessionbetween the second device and the implantable device based on adetermination that the defined level of correlation exists between thefirst electronic information and the second electronic information. 23.The computer-readable storage medium of claim 22, wherein the speechsignal is associated with a first time period and the vibrationinformation is associated with a second time period, and wherein thefirst time period and the second time period are concurrent.
 24. Asystem, comprising: an implantable device comprising a processor; and afirst device configured to: compare first electronic informationreceived at a second device external to a body in which the implantabledevice is located with second electronic information associated with theimplantable device, wherein the first electronic information and thesecond electronic information comprise one or more types of secureinformation, and wherein the first electronic information is receivedvia a user interface to the second device; determine whether the firstelectronic information and the second electronic information have adefined level of similarity; and initiate a telemetry session betweenthe second device and the implantable device based on a determinationthat the first electronic information and the second electronicinformation have the defined level of similarity.
 25. The system ofclaim 24, wherein the second device comprises a mobile device.
 26. Thesystem of claim 24, wherein the first device is further configured to:forgo pairing the second device and the implantable device based on adetermination that the first electronic information and the secondelectronic information fail to have the defined level of similarity. 27.The system of claim 24, wherein the secure information comprises atleast one of password information received at the user interface of thesecond device or a visual image of a body in which the implantabledevice is implanted, wherein the visual image is obtained via a cameraof the second device.
 28. An apparatus, comprising: a comparison deviceconfigured to: compare first electronic information received at a deviceexternal to a body in which an implantable device is located with secondelectronic information associated with the implantable device, whereinthe first electronic information and the second electronic informationcomprise one or more types of secure information, and wherein the firstelectronic information is received via a user interface to the device;and determine whether the first electronic information and the secondelectronic information have a defined level of correlation; and acommunication device configured to initiate a telemetry session betweenthe device and the implantable device based on a determination that thefirst electronic information and the second electronic information havethe defined level of correlation.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28, whereinthe secure information comprises at least one of password information ora visual image of a body in which the implantable device is implanted.30. An apparatus, comprising: a comparison device configured to: comparefirst electronic information received at a device external to a body inwhich an implantable device is located with second electronicinformation associated with the implantable device, wherein the firstelectronic information and the second electronic information compriseone or more types of secure information, and wherein the firstelectronic information is received via a user interface to the device;and determine whether the first electronic information and the secondelectronic information have a defined level of correlation; and acommunication device configured to initiate a telemetry session betweenthe implantable device and a first device based on a determination thatthe first electronic information and the second electronic informationhave the defined level of correlation, wherein the first device isdistinct from the device.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein thesecure information comprises at least one of password information or avisual image of a body in which the implantable device is implanted. 32.A computer-readable storage medium storing executable instructions that,in response to execution, cause a first device comprising a processor toperform operations, comprising: comparing first electronic informationwith second electronic information, wherein the first electronicinformation is indicative of morphology of a first aspect of aphotoplethysmogram for a body in which an implantable device is located,and wherein the second electronic information is indicative of a secondaspect of the body and detected by the implantable device; determiningwhether a defined level of correlation exists between the firstelectronic information and the second electronic information; andinitiating a telemetry session between a second device and theimplantable device based on a determination that the defined level ofcorrelation exists between the first electronic information and thesecond electronic information.
 33. The computer-readable storage mediumof claim 32, wherein the implantable device comprises a pulse oximeterconfigured to detect the second aspect of the body.